Synthesis of intermetallic NiAl compound nanoparticles by pulsed wire discharge of twisted Ni and Al wires

► Pulsed wire discharge using twisted Ni and Al wires was tried to form NiAl particles. ► The effects of wire twisting and gas atmosphere conditions have been investigated. ► Nanoparticles consisting of almost single-phase NiAl compound were synthesized. ► Successful at conditions of the N2 atmosphere and the limited twisting number range. ► Major experimental results can be explained based on the deposited energy in wires.