The binary Fe-Si powdered system (3 : 1 in atomic proportion) has been mill
ed for different times in a planetary bah mill. The changes in microstructu
re of mechanochemical prepared samples were performed using XRD and Mossbau
er spectroscopy. The alloying process was divided into three stages. The fi
rst region is associated with the crystalline-to-amorphous phase transition
of Si as well as with the introduction of defects into the more easily dis
turbed Fe particles. Tn the second region the large structural changes in B
CC-Fe-lattice were observed, which indicated the partial formation of the s
olid solution. In the third region the mechanically induced ordering of Fe3
Si takes place. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.