Synthesis of nanometric refractory alloys powders in the Mo[sbnd]Nb[sbnd]W system

Abstract

Nanometric powders of stoichiometric compositions in the MoNb, MoW, NbW binary systems and in the MoNbW ternary system were produced by highly exothermic reactions using Mechanically Induced Chemical Reaction (MICR), Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) and Mechanically Activated Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (MASHS), through the reduction of their oxides by magnesium, with sodium chloride used as a reaction moderator. Results demonstrate the possibility to obtain high purity nanostructured products in the 20–150 nm range, with an average equivalent diameter, from specific surface measurements, of 44 nm. However, in Nb containing samples, the main BCC phase always comes with one or more secondary phases, for which further developments are necessary in order either to avoid its formation or to find a way to eliminate it.