Mixtures of magnetite and zinc powders were milled for up to 540 minut
es and the development of the system was followed using X-ray diffract
ion, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. The process ta
kes place in two overlapping steps. During the first hour of milling,
a nonmagnetic intermediate mixed oxide phase forms which decomposes in
to ZnO and Fe upon further milling. The freshly formed iron particles
are supersaturated with Zn.