Phase evolution and microstructural characterization of high-energy ball milled Al-Si-Fe-Ni alloys

摘要

The effects of milling power and milling time on phase evolution during high-energy ball milling were investigated for the Al{sub}50Si{sub}30Fe{sub}15Ni{sub}5 alloy. Elemental powders were milled in a SPEX 8000 apparatus and the resulting powders were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Partially amorphous powders, together with the (Al, Si){sub}7Ni{sub}3 intermetallic compound, were obtained in early stages of milling. Silicon remained unreacted throughout long milling times, with particle size diminishing down to nanometric levels. Long milling times resulted in a single amorphous phase, though highly contaminated by the milling tools. Milling time and milling power showed a compensatory effect on the nature of phases obtained.