Extended homogeneity range of intermetallic phases in mechanically alloyed Mg-Al alloys

The structural evolution during mechanical alloying of blended elemental powder mixtures of Mg and Al has been investigated using X-ray diffraction methods. The results indicate that, in addition to achieving extended solid solubility limits, the intermetallic phases could be directly synthesized by mechanical alloying. The homogeneity range of the beta (Mg2Al3) and gamma (Mg17Al12) phases could be extended to lower aluminum contents. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.