Al-Ni-Y nanophase composites by direct quenching

Al-Ni-Y alloys with 4 to 15 at.% Ni and 2 to 8 at.% Y are rapidly quenched by melt-spinning with wheel speeds of 10 to 63 m s(-1). The as-quenched mic rostructures are characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electr on microscopy, and are mapped as a function of composition and wheel speed. The glass-forming ability of the alloys is greatest for a total solute con tent around 15 at.%, and increases with increasing Y content. Near to the c omposition Al88Ni10Y2 (at.%) nanophase composites can be formed over a wide range of quenching conditions. These materials have ccp-Al crystallites (s imilar to 10 nm in diameter) dispersed in an amorphous matrix, and are of i nterest for their superior strengths.