
Introducing the new product Al-Cu-Cr
Al-Cu-Cr quasicrystals are alloys of aluminum, copper, and chromium that have an unusual atomic structure that is intermediate between crystalline and amorphous materials. Unlike crystals, they do not have a periodic arrangement of atoms, but exhibit long-range order that manifests itself as discrete diffraction.
Alloy based on quasicrystals
of the system Al-Cu-Cr

Al (aluminum)

Сu (copper)

Cr (Chromium)
Structure
Icosahedral symmetry: Al-Cu-Cr quasicrystals typically have icosahedral symmetry, which is incompatible with the periodic arrangement of atoms. Long-range order: Atoms are arranged in a certain order over large distances, but this order is not periodic as in crystals. Lack of translational symmetry: Quasicrystals lack translational symmetry, meaning it is impossible to shift the structure by a certain vector and obtain an identical structure.

Numerical characteristics

Density
~4.5 g / cm3

Vickers hardness
600-900 HV

Coefficient of friction
0.1-0.2 (depending on conditions)

Electrical resistance
100-300 μΩ cm

Coefficient of friction on steel
0.3-0.5

Thermal conductivity
5-15 W / (m • K)

Modulus of elasticity
150-200 GPa

Rockwell Hardness (HRC)
does not exceed 60 H RC

Resistivity
100 - 500 μOhm cm
Physical properties


High hardness
Al-Cu-Cr quasicrystals have high hardness, comparable to some ceramic materials.



Low coefficient of friction
They have a low coefficient of friction, making them useful in applications where wear reduction is required.



High corrosion resistance
Al-Cu-Cr quasicrystals have high corrosion resistance in many environments.



Poor thermal conductivity
They have low thermal conductivity compared to conventional metal alloys.


High electrical resistance
Al-Cu-Cr quasicrystals have high electrical resistance, which makes them semiconductors.
Mechanical properties


High fragility
Al-Cu-Cr quasicrystals are usually brittle and have low ductility..



High modulus of elasticity:
They have a high modulus of elasticity, which indicates their rigidity.
Thermal properties



Melting point
The melting point of Al-Cu-Cr quasicrystals is typically in the range of 900-1000 °C, depending on the exact composition



Thermal stability
They have high thermal stability and retain their quasi-crystalline structure at high temperatures.
Application:
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Wear-resistant coatings:
Due to their high hardness and low coefficient of friction, Al-Cu-Cr quasicrystals are used as wear-resistant coatings.
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Thermoelectric materials
Their high electrical resistance and low thermal conductivity make them promising for use in thermoelectric devices.
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Catalysts
Al-Cu-Cr quasicrystals can be used as catalysts in some chemical reactions.