Molybdenum disilicide resistance wire and support

Claim 1

An electric resistance heating assembly comprising an electrically non-conductive support structure, a molybdenum disilicide resistance wire adapted to heat to a temperature of at least 2000° F., and a plurality of interspaced wire supports holding said resistance wire at a position spaced from and free from contact with said support structure, said wire supports being each formed from an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy wire shaped so as to form at least one loop holding said resistance wire and supporting legs extending from the loop to a connection with said non-conductive support, said legs extending from said loop to said non-conductive support in open air space, the aluminum content of said alloy wire providing for protection against chemical reaction between the alloy wire and said resistance wire at elevated temperatures said alloy wire having an aluminum content of at least 5% and having been preheated in air at a temperature of at least 1800° F. so as to preform an oxide layer on the alloy wire and providing said protection.