Fracture in Silicides

Abstract

Fracture in CoSi_2, MoSi₂, WSi₂ and TiSi₂ single and/or polycrystalline samples is considered in this chapter. Fracture is orientation and temperature dependent and occurs at some orientations even before the yield stress. An important design parameter is the fracture toughness determined by the stress intensity factor which can be evaluated from hardness measurements. Fracture toughness describes the ability of a material to resist fracture. These silicides are generally brittle but ductility sets in at some elevated temperature depending on the type of the silicide and its orientation. Catastrophic fracture should be eliminated by choosing the proper silicide, orientation and conditions of use.