Mechanical alloying of titanium with rare gas (He, Ar and Xe)

In our previous research, some rare gas atoms were detected in the cyclic deformation zone by auger electron spectroscopy analysis [1]. In this study, we have therefore focused great attention upon the planetary ball milling technique [2], in order to provide increased cyclic plastic deformation relative to fatigue crack propagation. In this work titanium samples, in Ar and Xe atmosphere were respectively used in the ball mill vial. The ball mill vial and balls used were also made from titanium. Samples prepared in a rare gas atmosphere showed a difference in thermal stability and a decrease in grain growth during annealing, compared to those prepared in a vacuum. Samples prepared in xenon gas atmosphere, in particular, showed a large decrease in grain growth during annealing. These results strongly suggest that rare gas in titanium can affect some physical properties. It is, however, not certain whether this behavior is due to the effect of other impurities such as oxides.