Scratch-induced surface microstructures on the deformed surface of Al-Cu-Fe icosahedral quasicrystals

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations of sintered Al-Cu-Fe icosahedral quasicrystal (IQC) have been carried out to understand the origin of some ductility previously noticed within tracks produced by standard tribological scratch tests. Transformation of the icosahedral phase to a modulated structure is shown and a transformation of the IQC to a bcc phase has been found beneath the tracks. Twins and dislocations have also been observed.