Intermetallic matrix composites prepared by mechanical alloying—a review

This paper reviews research on intermetallic matrix composites synthesized by mechanical alloying. Mechanical alloying, as a powder processing method, results in discontinuous second phases, i.e. dispersoids/discontinuous reinforcements, in the intermetallic matrix. After a discussion of earlier work on dispersoids in intermetallics, intermetallic matrix composites prepared by mechanical alloying will be reviewed for the important structural intermetallics Fe–40 at.% Al, NiAl, Ni3Al, and MoSi2. The unique microstructure and properties of intermetallic matrix dispersoid systems produced by cryomilling will be discussed. The limited studies of nanocrystalline intermetallic matrix composites suggest the possibility of superplastic forming of these materials.