Production of FeCrC reinforced and Ni based composites by mechanical alloying

The intermetallic matrix composites (IMCs) of Ni-Al reinforced by M7C3 were produced by powder metallurgical routes via solid state reaction of Ni, Al and M7C3 particulates by mechanical alloying process. Ni, Al and M7C3 powders having 100 μm were mixed, mechanical alloyed and the compacts were combusted in a furnace. The synthesis of the M7C3, Ni and Al together formed α-Ni phase having dissolved Al, Cr, Fe inside. In nano scaled Ni3Al intermetallics were distributed in the matrix together with M7C3 carbides. The presence of the carbides depressed the formation of unwanted NiAl intermetallics. The mechanical alloyed M7C3 particles were unstable and decomposed partially within the matrix during alloying and sintering, and the morphology of the composites changed upon the dissolution rate of M7C3 and sintering temperature.