Solidification Rate Influence on Microstructure of Composites with Quasicrystal Phase Fraction

Abstract

The composites of Al61Cu27Fe12alloys containing quasicrystalline and crystalline phases (CQ composites) were obtained by the Bridgman method. The morphology of composites crystallized with different solidification rates was studied. The solidification rate influence on fibrous reinforcement morphology was analyzed. The microsections for analysis were prepared parallel and perpendicular to the direction of crystallization. The optical and the scanning electron microscope were used for metallographic observation. Obtained composites were examined by X-ray powder diffraction and reflective X-ray topography. The Laue method enabled to conclude that the matrix is singlecrystalline. The different level of structural perfection of reinforcement fibres was presented at various solidification rates.