Solid State Reaction in Mechanical Alloying of the Mg Alloy with Metal Silicides

Abstract

Pure magnesium powders were mechanically alloyed with addition of metal silicide powders (TiSi₂, CrSi₂ and WSi₂) by using a planetary ball mill under an Ar atmosphere. After mechanical alloying, the powders were consolidated to the P/M material by vacuum hot pressing. Solid state reaction in the mechanically alloyed powders and the P/M material was studied by XRD and TEM. In these systems, the solid state reaction occurred during mechanical alloying and subsequent heat treatment. The added metal silicides were decomposed and Mg₂Si dispersoids were formed in the Mg matrix which was alloyed with elements (Ti, Cr or W).