Alloying evolution and stability of Al₆₅Cu₂₀Ti₁₅ during process of amorphisation by high energy ball milling

Abstract

Mechanical alloying of Al₆₅Cu₂₀Ti₁₅ powder blend has been carried out by high energy vibrating ball mill. The process of amorphisation in the mechanically alloyed Al₆₅Cu₂₀Ti₁₅ powder and the stability of the amorphous phase during ball milling were investigated. Almost completely amorphous powder was achieved after 25 h ball milling. Examination of the microstructural constituents using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy shows that the amorphisation process was controlled by the transformation of both Al based solid solution and intermetallic compounds (Al₂Cu, Cu₉Al₄ and AlCu₂Ti). However, that prolonging the ball milling time to 30 h led to the appearance of Cu₉Al₄, the Al₆₅Cu₂₀Ti₁₅ composite comprising nanocrystalline and amorphous phases could be stable after 50 h ball milling.

Keywords:

• Mechanical alloying
• Amorphisation
• Phase transitions
• X-ray diffraction

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Fundamental Research Foundation of Beijing Institute of Technology.