Development of novel polymer/quasicrystal composite materials

We report on a new class of materials, polymer/quasicrystal composites with useful properties for beneficial exploitation in applications, such as dry bearings and composite gears. Our preliminary results indicate that our new composites are a means of enhancing the properties of certain organic polymers while providing a new means of processing quasicrystals. Al–Cu–Fe quasicrystalline materials significantly improved wear resistance to volume loss in polymer-based composites. Furthermore, mechanical testing results showed a two-fold increase in the storage modulus of the reinforced composites compared with the polymer samples. The fabrication in addition to the thermal, mechanical, and wear properties of these unique materials will be described.