Structural changes in Mg alloy induced by plasma immersion ion implantation of Ag

Formation of intermetallic compounds within the Mg matrix as a result of implantation of Ag by plasma immersion ion implantation technology was investigated. Transmission electron-microscopy studies of the implanted samples revealed the appearance of nanoparticles of binary phase Mg-Ag. A model based on the classical mechanisms of propagation of accelerated ions through the metal matrix was suggested for the explanation of the experimental observations. Ab initio calculations of the electronic sub-systems proved to be helpful in providing theoretical prediction of the structural changes, which may be induced in the implanted system.