Stability of Cu–Zn phases under low energy ball milling

Low energy ball milling of equiatomic Cu–Zn has been performed. The β phase alloy has shown to be stable under this mechanical processing, with no signs of the appearance of other crystalline or amorphous phases. It was determined that the B2 order is retained. The evolution of the phases during mechanical alloying of equiatomic amounts of the pure elements was also investigated. It was found that the speed of the process depends on the milling configuration. It was also determined that the powder temperature on milling does not exceed 373 K. Low temperature thermal treatments allowed to extend down to 373 K the β phase field range in the phase diagram. This novel result could be obtained due to the unique properties of ball milling, which permits to reach phases in the phase diagram following low temperature paths.