molybdenum disilicide, also known as MoSi2, is an intermetallic compound of molybdenum and silicon. It is a refractory ceramic and has moderate density, a melting point of 2030degC and is electrically conductive. It is often used as a thermal barrier between polysilicon and other metals, mainly to improve conductivity and signal speed.
Applications:
A variety of molybdenum disilicide-based materials are used in a range of industrial and research applications, including turbine airfoils, combustion chamber components in oxidizing environments, missile nozzles, molten metal lances, industrial gas burners, diesel engine glow plugs, and material for glass processing. These materials can be produced in various monolithic and composite forms, depending on the method of fabrication.
High-temperature oxidation resistance:
molybdenum disilicide heating elements (silicon molybdenum rod) can be operated at up to 1800 degC in high temperature oxidizing atmospheres with a passivation layer of quartz (SiO2). The high resistivity of the silicon-molybdenum material is maintained even at elevated temperatures, making it an excellent choice for use in the energy and chemical industries.
Microelectronics:
molybdenum disilicide is commonly used in microelectronics as a contact material to increase the conductivity and speed of signals in semiconductor devices. It is a good insulator, which makes it a desirable material for contact elements in ICs. It is also used in shunts for polysilicon lines, to improve the conductivity and speed of signals.