Solid solution of Mg in Ti by mechanical alloying

Abstract

Solid solution of 9 wt% Mg in Ti has been achieved by mechanical alloying in a clean atmosphere. The equilibrium solubility of magnesium in titanium is very low and processing of these alloys by conventional routes is not possible due to the high vapour pressure of Mg. Alloys of Ti and Mg have only been previously achieved by vapour quenching. Contamination was avoided by processing under a high purity argon atmosphere in sealed vials. Lattice parameter measurements and SEM observations suggested that all the Mg was in solid solution after 48 h milling. This has been confirmed by high resolution TEM which shows extremely fine Ti grains in which Mg is homogeneously distributed with no clustering or precipitation.