Large single-grain AlCoNi quasicrystals grown by the Czochralski method

The single crystal growth of decagonal quasicrystals in the Al-Co-Ni system has been investigated using the Czochralski method. Using a ceramic tip in stead of a native seed, single-grain quasicrystals of average composition A l71Co18Ni11 and approximately 1 cm(3) in size have been grown. Very low pul ling rates (0.25-0.5 mm/h) were used. Axial segregation and structural perf ection were investigated by electron-probe microanalysis and neutron diffra ction. The liquidus temperature of the starting melt and composition of the decagonal phase agree well with the published phase diagram data. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.