Synthesis of HgPb₂ assisted by high energy ball milling

Abstract

The aim of this work was to demonstrate that high energy ball milling process can induce the formation of HgPb₂ compound. It has been found mechanical milling is a very effective, low cost and simple technique to produce this material without surfactant and further annealing. The powders after milling for various durations were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. Milling parameters such as ball to raw material ration (5∶1) and milling time (2 h) were determined to be suitable for synthesising powders of HgPb₂. The present investigation also demonstrates that high energy ball milling can produce high quality superconducting samples in the Hg–Pb system.

Keywords:

• Metals and alloys
• Superconductors
• Electrical properties
• Mechanical alloying

Acknowledgement

This material is based upon work supported by the FAPEMIG, FUNEPU, CNPq and FAPESP (2009/54001-2).