DSC-TGA Hydrogen Evaluation during Mechanical Milling of AlFe Intermetallic

Abstract

Fe40Al60 (at%) intermetallic alloy composition was obtained by conventional casting methods and subsequently subjected to high-energy mechanical milling under different conditions of humidity. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), transmission electron microcopy (TEM) and DSC-TGA thermogravimetric experiments. After the milling process, the amount of hydrogen generated was determined using thermogravimetric analysis and chemical reactions (stoichiometry). All techniques confirm the formation of bayerite phase which is attributed to the hydrogen embrittlement reaction between the intermetallic material and water to release hydrogen. It was observed that the hydrogen generation is increased as the ball milling time is increased. The quantity of hydrogen evaluated is similar to that obtained in previous reported experiments with pure aluminum and some of its alloys.