Author: R.Niculaa, F. Turquier, M. Stir, V.Y. Kodash, J.R. Groza, E. Burkel
Institute: Institute of Physics, University of Rostock, August-Bebel-Strasse 55, D-18055 Rostock, Germany
Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
Formation of a quasicrystalline phase in Al–Cu–Fe nanopowders during field-assisted sintering (FAST) is a promising direction in the field of materials science, allowing the creation of unique structures with special physical properties. When sintering nanopowders under electric or magnetic field conditions, not only does the material become compacted, but its crystal lattice is also oriented, which significantly affects the final microstructure. In this study, the solid-state phase transformation sequence in high-energy Al-Cu-Fe alloy powders under dynamic heating was investigated using in situ synchrotron radiation diffraction and thermal analysis (DSC/DTA) techniques. The mechanically processed Al-Cu-Fe nanopowders were pressed into disk granules using spark plasma sintering (FAST/SPS). The chemical homogeneity and microstructure of the obtained samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), and the effect of electric field on the formation of quasi-crystalline phases was investigated.
Quasicrystals have unique properties, which opens up a wide range of their application in such areas as thermal insulation materials and wear-resistant coatings. However, the synthesis of single-phase Al-Cu-Fe alloys by traditional methods is difficult. The objective of this work is to study the effect of pulsed current on the formation of icosahedral phases during sintering. Quasicrystals, having non-orthogonal symmetry, demonstrate anomalous mechanical characteristics and excellent thermal properties, which makes them promising for use in various fields, from microelectronics to the creation of new composites. Studying the process of formation of the quasi-crystalline phase, as well as the influence of sintering parameters such as temperature, duration of exposure and field strength, is key to optimizing the technologies for obtaining such materials. In the future, this opens up new horizons for the development of materials with specified properties that can significantly change modern technologies and improve the quality of many components.