Fine MoSi2 powders containing a small amount of Mo5Si3 have been prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS), followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS) for 10 min at 1200-1500degreesC and 30 MPa. Dense MoSi2 materials, in which the grain size is similar to7.5 mum, have been fabricated at 1300degreesC. They exhibit excellent mechanical properties Vicker's hardness H-v (10.6 GPa), fracture toughness K-IC (4.5 MPa m(1/2)), and bending strength sigma(b) (560 MPa). The strength of 325 MPa can be retained up to 1000degreesC. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.