Mg2Cu Alloy Preparation by Mechanical Alloying Process and Its Characterization Using X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy

In this work the synthesis of intermetallic Mg2Cu is presented. Elemental particles of magnesium with a purity of 99.8% and Cu 99.9% were mixed in desired quantity to reach a nominal composition of 40-60 and 80-20 wt% for magnesium and copper in each composition respectively. The synthesis of compound was carried out by mechanical alloying technique with a high energy ball mill type spex which was constructed in our Institute. Then Mg and Cu particles were put into a stainless steel vial and three stainless steel balls and methanol as milling media and process control agent respectively. The ball to particles weight ratio was 10:1. The milling time was defined only between 1 to 5 h, at room temperature. This technique was used because the conventional method of thermal fusion could not be induced to synthesize this alloy. The metal powders were analyzed before and after milling by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results obtained by XRD shows the formation only of Mg2Cu phase in short milling time in both compositions. These results show that due to the high impact between milling media, material and control agent can be obtained this alloy easily and fast by mechanical alloying technique.