Combustion synthesis of a alpha ' AlFeSi intermetallic

Processing parameters used in the combustion synthesis of intermetallics ha ve an effect on the product and its microstructure. This study examines the production of an intermetallic (Al, Fe, Si) by combustion synthesis incorp orating the effects of ball milling parameters, composition of the powder m ixture, and Al particle size. Combustion synthesis of the stoichiometric mi xture prepared by ball milling using fine Al particles (similar to6 mum) pr oduced a mono phase (Al, Fe, Si) intermetallic. X-ray diffraction traces sh owed mono phases in the products by the microstructures revealed traces of unreacted Al. Off-stoichometric powder compositions in the range 6-0w/o Si and 31-34w/o Fe also led to the production of a mon phase product. The use of coarse Al particles (>67 mum) resulted in incomplete synthesis.