Understanding the crystalline phase formation in Fe-Ni and Al-Ni binary alloy-nanoparticles produced by thermal plasma assisted gas phase condensation method

The paper addresses the issue of phase formation in the nano-crystalline binary alloys of Fe-Ni and Al-Ni, synthesized by plasma assisted vapor phase condensation process. In depth experimental analysis of the crystal structure, for the alloy nanoparticles with different compositions, is presented. The observed crystalline phases of the products have been compared with those expected from the standard phase diagram of the respective alloys. Crystalline phases of Fe-Ni systemshowed no deviation, whereas, those of Al-Ni showed considerable deviation. Differences in the thermo-physical properties of Al and Ni are shown to be responsible for such a deviation. The results are supported by a computational model, which accounts for the supersaturation of the species in gas phase, leading to nucleation and growth. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.