Phase transformation during mechano-synthesis of nanocrystalline/amorphous Fe–32Mn–6Si alloys
Mechano-synthesis of Fe–32Mn–6Si alloy by mechanical alloying of the elemental powder mixtures was evaluated by running the ball milling process under an inert argon gas atmosphere. In order to characterize the as-milled powders, powder sampling was performed at predetermined intervals from 0.5 to 192 h. X-ray florescence analyzer, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and high resolution transmission electron microscope were utilized to investigate the chemical composition, structural evolution, morphological changes, and microstructure of the as-milled powders, respectively. According to the results, the nanocrystalline Fe–Mn–Si alloys were completely synthesized after 48 h of milling. Moreover, the formation of a considerable amount of amorphous phase during the milling process was indicated by quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis as well as high resolution transmission electron microscopy image and its selected area diffraction pattern. It was found that the α-to-γ and subsequently the amorphous-to-crystalline (especially martensite) phase transformation occurred by milling development. - Graphical abstract: Mechano-synthesis of nanocrystalline/amorphous Fe–32Mn–6Si shape memory alloys in the powder form: amorphous phase formation, α-to-γ phase transformation, mechano-crystallization of the amorphous, and martensite phase formation during the process. Highlights: • During MA, the α-to-γ phase transformation and amorphization occurred. • Mechano-crystallization of the amorphous phase occurred at sufficient milling time. • The formation of high amount of ε-martensite was evidenced at high milling times. • The platelet, spherical, and then irregular particle shapes was extended by MA. • By MA, the particles size was increased, then reduced, and afterward re-increased.