Development of amorphous and nano-aluminide dispersed Al-matrix composites by mechanical alloying

Abstract

Mechanical alloying of Al₆₅Cu_35-xNb_x (x = 5 - 25 at. % Nb) by planetary ball milling yields amorphous and/or nanocrystalline products. Microstructure of the milled product in different stages of milling has been characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicate that the present alloys may yield completely/partially amorphous and/or nano-aluminide dispersed Al-rich nanocrystalline or amorphous matrix composites by controlled mechanical alloying.