Different Cr contents in nanostructured Fe-Ni-Cr alloys prepared by Mechanical Alloying

Fe-Ni-Cr alloy powders with the different components were prepared by Mechanical Alloying (MA). The phase structure, grain size, micro-strain and lattice distortion were determined with X-ray diffraction. The morphology and particle size of the powders were observed and analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the Fe-Ni-Cr nanocrystalline powders could be obtained by MA. The ball milling time could be reduced with increasing amount of Cr, resulting the formation of Fe-Ni-Cr powders. With the increasing amount of Cr, the speed of Ni diffusion to Fe lattice approaching saturation became more rapid. The particle size got smaller as the ball milling went further; the extent of micro-strain and distortion of lattice intensified; the solid solubility of Ni and Cr in Fe was increased. Finally the super-saturated solid solution of Fe was obtained.