PROCESS CONTROL AGENT EFFECT ON Mg PARTICLES DURING HIGH ENERGY BALL MILLING

Abstract

This study surveys the outcome of different process control agents (PCAs) on the morphology of pure magnesium (Mg) powders along high-energy ball milling, focusing on milling duration. Milling up to 4 hours promotes platelet-like structures in Mg particles due to frequent collisions among balls, powder, and chamber walls, increasing particle size from 30 µm to 300 µm. Prolonged milling then causes fragmentation and reduces particle size. Comparative analysis of stearic acid and methanol reveals contrasting behaviors. Stearic acid preserves the flake morphology of Mg up to 10 hours, while methanol, due to its volatility, evaporates earlier in the process. This early loss of methanol leads to morphological breakdown before the mechanical alloying process completes. Thus, stearic acid provides better stability for extended milling durations. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates texture formation along the (002) plane in both PCA systems, influenced by cold welding, work hardening, and rolling mechanisms. No oxidation or contamination is observed in either case after 12 hours of milling, confirming effective control of the milling environment. These results underline the importance of selecting an appropriate PCA based on its volatility and interaction with the Mg system to ensure efficient and contamination-free mechanical alloying.

Keywords

• Ball Milling
• Magnesium
• Powder Morphology
• PCA

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