Solidification of Al–Cu–Fe alloys forming icosahedral phase

Abstract

The solidification of a series of Al–Cu–Fe alloys containing an icosahedral phase has been studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, powder x-ray diffraction, and differential thermal analysis. The constitution and morphology of alloys solidified at different rates are presented. The overall compositional range of the icosahedral phase was determined in as-cast, slowly solidified alloys and those annealed at 800 and 600 °C. The solidification of this phase follows closely the Al3Fe–AlCu compositional direction. The first icosahedral phase solidified close to Al65.5Cu21.5Fe13; its compositional region at 800 °C lies between about Al64.5Cu23Fe12.5 and Al62Cu26.5Fe11.5, while at 600 °C it lies between Al62Cu26.5Fe11.5 and Al60.5Cu29.5Fe10. The formation of the icosahedral and related structures observed in Al–Cu–Fe alloys is discussed.