Characterization of copper base alloys obtained by mechanical alloying

The micro and nano structure of mechanical alloys of Cu-Al, Cu-V and Cu-Ti obtained by reactive milling, using an Attritor mill, was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). In order to study the evolution of the alloys during the manufacturing process and during the period of service, the DSC and XRD were done before the mechanical milling, after 30 hours of milling and after hot extrusion of the alloyed powders. Using the Williamson-Hall and Klug-Alexander methods the size of the crystallites and the density of the dislocations in the prepared alloys were evaluated. In all the milled powder cases, the grain and crystallite size was found to be nanometric, the dispersoids were also nanometric and there was texture in the copper planes (220), in the cases of the milled Cu- Ti and Cu-V powders (au)