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 and ball milling of prealloys was investigated. The samples were analysed by X-ray diffraction, transmission- and scanning-electron microscopy and differential-scanning calorimetry. The formation of a stable fci-phase in the Al–Mn–Pd system by mechanical alloying is described. A dual-phase microstructure of Al-matrix and quasicrystalline phase was created by an initial excess of aluminium or subsequent blending of quasicrystalline powder with pure aluminium. Bulk samples were processed by squeeze casting revealing excellent mechanical properties.