On the Mechanical Milling of the AlCuFe Icosahedral Phase with Water

Abstract

In this investigation the Al64Cu24Fe12 alloy was melted in an induction furnace and solidified under normal casting conditions. The as-cast sample was subject to a heat treatment at 700 oC under argon atmosphere in order to obtain the icosahedral quasicrystalline phase in a monophase region. Subsequently, the icosahedral phase was milled for different times and water added conditions. The pre-alloyed and milled powders were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The experimental results showed that the icosahedral phase is sensitive to the reaction between water and aluminum of the quasicrystalline alloy to generate hydrogen. As the milling time and the amount of water are increased, the embrittlement reaction of the alloy is accentuated releasing more hydrogen.