Quasicrystalline Al-alloys with high strength and good ductility

The formation of quasicrystalline phase in Al-Mn and Al-Mn-Ce/Fe alloys by solid state reaction via mechanical alloying of elemental powder mixtures a nd ball milling of prealloys was investigated. The samples were analysed by X-ray diffraction, transmission-and scanning-electron microscopy and diffe rential-scanning calorimetry. The formation of a stable fci-phase in the Al -Mn-Pd system by mechanical alloying is described. A dual-phase microstruct ure of Al-matrix and quasicrystalline phase was created by an initial exces s of aluminium or subsequent blending of quasicrystalline powder with purr aluminium. Bulk samples,were processed by squeeze casting revealing excelle nt mechanical properties. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.