The Solid-State Synthesis of W-25WT% Re Using a Mechanical Alloying Approach

Abstract

Stress-assisted precipitation of σ-phase from a metastable solid solution are observed in deformed W-25-26wt% Re alloys aligned with the working directions. They are accounted for local chemical inhomogeneities based on concentration gradient of Re and resulted in stress appearance following by microcracks initiation and growth. The formation of nanocrystalline tungsten - rhenium solid solution by mechanical alloying in a planetary ball mill using tungsten containers with tungsten milling bodies was investigated. The process was monitored by x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), particle size analysis, and electron microscopy. It was shown that MA of W-Re mixture resulted in the formation of a finely dispersed composite material and, on later stages of MA a solid solution with a nanocrystalline structure.