X-ray peak broadening analysis of Fe50Ni50 nanocrystalline alloys prepared under different milling times and BPR using size strain plot (SSP) method

Fe50Ni50 nanocrystalline alloys were prepared by mechanical alloying method at different milling times of 2, 5, 10, 30, 50 and 70 h and ball powder ratios (BPR) of 10 : 1, 20 : 1 and 30 : 1. The structures of prepared powders were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The broadening of the diffraction peaks were analysed using size strain plot (SSP) method and the lattice strain and crystallite size of the nanocrystals were calculated. In addition, the typical morphological studies were performed by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM). The results showed that the crystallite size of the nanocrystals decreased with the milling time and BPR increases; whereas, the lattice constant (a) increased. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) study of the powder prepared at 50 h and BPR 30 : 1 showed that the sample exhibits both the superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic properties in nanocrystallite size range.