Quasicrystalline phase formation in Al62Cu22.5Fe12.5 and Al55Cu22.5Fe12.5Be7 alloys

Abstract

Formation of the icosahedral quasicrystalline phase in conventionally cast Al62Cu25.5Fe12.5 and Al55Cu25.5Fe12.5Be7 alloys were investigated. The icosahedral phase (I-phase) forming ability was greatly improved by partial replacement of Al by 7 at.% Be. The as-cast Al55Cu25.5Fe12.5Be7 alloy consisted of dendritic primary I-phase and interdendritic τ-phase, whereas that of an as-cast Al62Cu25.5Fe12.5 alloy consisted of various phases such as the β-, I-, and τ-phases, together with a small amount of the λ- and η-phases. The kinetic barrier for transformation into single I-phase by heat treatment was greatly reduced in an Al55Cu25.5Fe12.5Be7 alloy. The I-phase in an Al55Cu25.5Fe12.5Be7 alloy has the same face centered icosahedral structure as that in an Al62Cu25.5Fe12.5 alloy and is of high quality without phason strain.