Mechanical alloying — A perspective

Abstract

Mechanical alloying is a dry, high energy ball milling process for producing composite metal powder with a fine controlled microstructure. It was originally developed to make high temperature alloys combining oxide dispersion and intermetallic compound strengthening. The mechanism of the process is described using nickel-based superalloys as the vehicle. Early experiments leading to the invention of mechanical alloying are covered along with some peripheral problems that had to be solved in order for the process to be successfully applied. Use of the process with diverse systems including aluminum-based alloys, intermetallic compounds and amorphous materials is discussed.