Formation of iron-nickel nanocrystalline alloy by mechanical alloying

Fel.,Ni, alloys were prepared by mechanical alloying of elemental powders i n high-energy planetary ball mill in a wide concentration range of componen ts (10 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 90). The structure was studied by X-ray diffractometry. It is shown that concentration ranges of single-phase solid solution of MA samples are markedly wider than that of t hermodynamically stable alloys. Character of X-ray peaks indicates that the re is a high density of crystalline lattice defects including stacking faul ts. Block sizes, calculated without considering stacking faults presence, w as found to be 8 - 15 nm, and calculated with considering of stacking fault s 30 - 80 nm. The results were discussed on the basis of thermodynamic mode l of MA. (C) 1999 Acta Metallurgica Inc.