Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
Low temperature plasticity enhancement processes observed in body-centered cubic metals and B2 ordered alloys can be observed in MoSi2 in appropriate stress-temperature-strain rate regimes. We illustrate effects of surface films (ZrO2) and dispersoids (TiC) in enhancing plasticity of MoSi2 in the ductile-to-brittle transition range of temperatures, 900-1400°C. We also show, through experiments involving high temperature (1300°C) prestrain, that effective operation of dislocation generation processes can extend the low temperature range to which MoSi2 can be plastically deformed. These results illustrate that approaches to enhance toughness of MoSi2 need not be limited to ductile phases characterized by weak interfaces.