Unraveling Particle Folding in Nanostructured Shape Memory Alloy Ni₅₀Ti₅₀ Prepared by Mechanical Alloying

This work examines the influence of milling parameters on the evolution of the microstructure of Ni 50 Ti 50 alloy prepared by high‐energy mechanical alloying (MA). The study unveils a particle‐folding phenomenon observed through scanning electron microscopy, which diverges from the conventional welding and fracturing mechanisms previously associated with MA. It is found that milling duration is critical, with particle folding being predominant in the initial stages, subsequently becoming less pronounced in favor of traditional processes over extended milling times. The research underscores the importance of processing parameters in achieving desired microstructural characteristics and suggests the potential for better control of nanocrystalline material properties. The outcomes present new opportunities for material synthesis, offering insights into the fabrication of nanomaterials with enhanced and tailored properties for various technological applications.