Scanning and transmission electron microscopy microstructure characterization of mechanically alloyed Nb-Ti-Al alloys

Results are presented of an investigation of the microstructure development during mechanical alloying and following consolidation of an Nb15Ti15Al alloy. The alloy was synthesized from elemental as well as pre-alloyed powders. The microstructure of this material was examined by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The use of pre-alloyed TiAl powder for synthesis of the Nb15Ti15Al alloy meant that a much shorter time was required to complete the mechanical alloying process compared with the synthesis of elemental powders. The investigation indicates that three phases were present in the consolidated materials: the Nb solid solution, the Nb(3)Al intermetallic phase and the dispersoid.