The synthesis of $Nb_3Sn$ alloy powders by mechanical alloying

기계적 합금화 방법에 의한 $Nb_3Sn$합금 제조

The microstructural evolution during mechanical alloying of Nb and Sn powders, of average composition Nb3Sn, has been investigated by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). Observations by SEM showed a progressive change of milling time. From the XRD studies, the structural development with milling time depends on the ball size for a given powder/ball ratio. Using a larger ball of 9.5mm diameter, the elemental powders initially alloy mechanically to form an A15 structure phase, and then amorphised with continued milling. However, in case of milling with a smaller ball of 3.968mm diameter, an amorphous phase is first formed. These results can be understood by considering the dependence of the milling energy on the ball size. The homogeneous stoichiometric $Nb_3Sn$ phase could be easily obtained by heat treatment of a supersaturated solid solution produced by MA. Heat treatment of an amorphous phase formed by MA resulted in the mixture of the $Nb_3Sn$ and $Nb_6Sn_5$ phases.