Quasi-crystalline alloys, which have a unique combination of high hardness, wear resistance and low friction coefficient, are a promising material for surface hardening of soft metals such as aluminum, magnesium and their alloys. Traditional hardening methods such as heat treatment or electroplating do not always provide the required characteristics or may be limited due to the properties of the base metal.

The application of quasi-crystalline coatings allows to significantly increase the hardness and wear resistance of the surface of soft metals, while maintaining their plasticity and lightness. This is achieved by forming a strong bond between the coating and the base, as well as the unique microstructure of the quasi-crystalline alloy. Various application methods, such as plasma spraying, laser processing or electrochemical deposition, allow to adapt the process to specific requirements and geometry of the part.

The use of quasi-crystalline coatings opens up new possibilities for increasing the reliability and durability of soft metal products in various industries, including aviation, automotive and electronics.

Author: Huan Wang, Zhong Yang, Zhijun Ma, Hongbo Duan, Jiachen Zhang, Dong Tao and Jianping Li

Institute: Laboratory of Metallic Materials Science and Engineering, CNRS URA 159, School of Mines, Sorupt Park, F-54042 Nancy, France, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Materials, University of Provence, Place Victor Hugo, 3, F-13331 Marseille, France