Formation of Fe–Nb–X (X=Zr, Ti) amorphous alloys from pure metal elements by mechanical alloying

Fe-based amorphous powders of Fe56Nb6Zr38 and Fe60Nb6Ti34 based on binary eutectic were prepared by mechanical alloying starting from mixtures of pure metal powders. The amorphization behavior and thermal stability were examined by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Results show that Fe56Nb6Zr38 alloy has a better glass forming ability and a relatively lower thermal stability comparing with Fe60Nb6Ti34 alloy. The prepared amorphous powders have homogeneous element distribution and no obvious contaminants coming from mechanical alloying. The synthesized amorphous powders offer the potential for consolidation to full density with desirable mechanical properties through the powder metallurgy methods.