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 β (Mg2Al3) and γ (Mg17Al12) phases could be extended to lower aluminum contents.