Fe50Co50 nanoparticles via self-propagating high-temperature synthesis during milling

Self-propagating exothermic reactions during mechanical milling of FeCl3/CoCl2 mixture together with sodium seeds resulted in formation of Fe50Co50 nanoparticles. Highly exothermic reactions resulted in temperature raise and formation of Fe50Co50 phase within the first 5 min; however Fe50Co50 single-phase was obtained after 30 min of milling. The products were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM and VSM. Obtained results showed that both milling time and NaCl salt matrix affected the size, morphology, microstructure and magnetic properties of the produced particles.

Graphical AbstractSEM images of the samples milled for 5 min (a) without NaCl and (b) with NaCl show the influence of NaCl on SHS-reaction time and consequently morphology of the particles. The formation of necking regions due to the exothermic reactions at the initial milling stage can be seen for the sample milled with NaCl. Similar morphology is not observable in the other one due to the SHS-reaction retardation by NaCl.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► FeCo nanoparticles were produced by a simple SHS-ball milling.
► NaCl additive changed the starting SHS time (ts) and morphology of the nanoparticles.
► Magnetic properties were dependent on milling time.