Synthesis and Characterization of Zn-Nix Advanced Alloys Prepared by Mechanical Milling and Sintering at Solid-State Process

Mechanical ball milling assisted by sintering in the solid state was used in this research to produce the Zn-Nix system alloy. The derivative powder compositions of Zn-Nix (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%) were obtained to study the Ni effects on the microstructural and mechanical properties. It is worth remarking that conventional methods are not appropriate for the manufacture of the Zn-Nix system alloy. The morphological structure and phases were examined by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and SEM/EDS elemental mapping, whereas the mechanical behavior was accomplished by means of a diamond indentation print (Hardness Vickers). The results showed that the intermetallic γ-ZnNi phase did not form during milling time (