Multiphase and multicomponent nanoscale inclusions in aluminium

Ion implantation or rapid solidification can be used to process smaller amo unts of alloys containing nanosized inclusions of elements that are insolub le in the matrix. The structure, morphology and properties of such inclusio ns have been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ear lier, most of this research has been devoted to the study of elemental sing le-phase inclusions, while less effort has been given to multiphase and mul ticomponent inclusions. Multiphase elemental inclusions can be made from al lotropic inclusion elements which have two or more different crystal struct ures, while multicomponent inclusions consist of two or more elements that are immiscible with the matrix. It is the aim of the present paper to descr ibe the structure and properties of both types of inclusions in aluminium r epresented by Tl inclusions and alloy inclusions of Pb with Bi and Cd, resp ectively.