In situ synthesis of AlN in Mg–Al alloys by liquid nitridation

This paper reports the results of an investigation on the in situ formation of AlN particles in a Mg–Al alloy through liquid nitridation. The AlN particles were produced in the Mg–Al melt by bubbling nitrogen gas through the molten alloy. The key mechanism of AlN formation is the combined reactions of 3Mg + N2 → Mg3N2 and Mg3N2 + 2Al → 2AlN + 3Mg.