Obtaining NiAl intermetallic compound using different milling devices

NiAl intermetallic compound was synthesized by mechanical alloying technique in planetary and attritor mills. The starting powders consisted of elemental mixtures of Ni and Al at Ni50Al50 (at%) composition. In the planetary mill, compound formation occurred gradually during mechanical alloying, while the occurrence of a mechanically induced self-propagating reaction (MSR) can be suggested in the attritor mill. The NiAl obtained in both mill types was partially disordered with long-range order parameter not inferior to 0.66. Quantitative phase analysis using the Rietveld method was performed in as-milled samples, and this method was also employed to estimate changes in crystallite size and lattice strain of the NiAl produced during mechanical alloying.

Graphical abstractIn the planetary mill, compound formation occurred gradually during mechanical alloying, while a mechanically induced self-propagating reaction (MSR) can be suggested in the attritor mill. The NiAl obtained in both mill types was partially disordered with long-range order parameter not inferior to 0.66.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► NiAl intermetallic formation depends on the milling device. ► NiAl intermetallic formation takes place gradually in the planetary mill. ► The occurrence of an MSR can be suggested in the attritor mill. ► The as-milled intermetallic compound is always partially disordered.