Synthesis of MnBi intermetallic compounds by mechanical alloying method

Powders of MnBi intermetallic compounds were produced from elementary powders in a planetary ball mill. Nominal compositions of the raw powders were set as Mn/sub 1-x/Bi with x=0 up to 0.5. XRD results showed the low temperature phase of MnBi were realized by milling. Consecutive heat treatment increased the fraction of MnBi phase. Bi phase retained at all the composition range but decreased in the relative amount as x is increased. Ferromagnetic properties were found in all the synthesized powders.