Formation of nanocrystalline h-AlN during mechanochemical decomposition of melamine in the presence of metallic aluminum

► High energy ball milling of melamine and aluminum results decomposition of melamine with elimination of ammonia. ► Nano-crystalline AlN was synthesized by the mechanochemical route. ► Milling process has no conspicuous effect on pure melamine degradation. ► No reaction takes place by heating melamine and aluminum powder mixture in argon.