The influence of ball milling conditions on the solid state reactions in Fe50Ge50 powder mixtures.

Solid state reaction and evolution of phase composition by milling of Fe50Ge50 powder mixture using two types of mills - Fritsch P-5 and figh energy MAPF have been studied. X-ray diffraction, Moessbauer spectroscopy and differential scanning methods were used for analysis of milling products. In different mills the chemical interaction between Fe and Ge occured in different ways. Final mechanically alloyed phase was nanocrystalline FeGe (B20) however the process of FeGe formation was completed after 100 h MA in Fritsch and after 2 h MA in MAPF.