ROW: Mechanical Alloying of Nb3Al Intermetallics

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The purpose of the research is to study the feasibility of nanocrystalline Nb3A1 formation by mechanically alloying elemental powders. Nb3A1 intermetallic was chosen for its highest temperature capability among structural aluminides as well as for its high current density property as a superconductor. The appeal of mechanical alloying for the synthesis of Nb3A1 intermetallics stems from its capability to make alloys with controlled microstructure via solid-state processing. This is particularly important for Nb and A1 which have large differences in melting points and densities thereby causing conventional melting techniques to be difficult, hazardous and less controllable. In addition, mechanical alloying has the potential of obtaining very fine grain sizes, eventually in the nanometer range that hold the promise for properties greatly exceeding those of conventionally processed intermetallic compounds. The main benefit of nanostructure processing -superplasticity- is more rewarding for intermetallics that are usually known for their complete lack of ductility and formability. Consequently, the benefits of Nb3A1 as a very high temperature resistant, relatively less dense and oxidation resistant material may be fully used in industrial and aerospace applications. These alloys are extremely interesting in both superconducting and in aerospace/structural applications and could be widely used if their ductility could be improved.