Synthesis of niobium aluminides using mechanically activated self-propagating high-temperature synthesis and mechanically activated annealing process

The mechanically activated self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (MASHS) technique and the mechanically activated annealing process (M2AP) were used to produce NbAl3 intermetallic compound. The MASHS process results from the combination of two steps: first, a mechanical activation of the Nb+3Al powders mixture; second, a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). The M2AP process also results from the combination of two steps: the first is the same; the second consists of the annealing of as-milled powders. Based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDXS), the as-milled powders, MASHS, and M2AP end-products were characterized. Various process controlling parameters such as mechanical activation milling conditions have been studied.