Author: U Köster, W Liu, H Liebertz, M Michel

Institute: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Dortmund, W-4600 Dortmund 50, Germany

The study of mechanical properties of quasicrystalline and crystalline phases in Al-Cu-Fe alloys is an important task in materials science, since these properties determine the functionality and stability of materials under various operating conditions. Quasicrystalline phases, having a unique atomic structure, demonstrate anomalous mechanical characteristics, such as high hardness and low ductility, which makes them interesting for use in highly loaded systems.

While the crystalline phases in Al-Cu-Fe alloys exhibit more predictable behavior, allowing for improved mechanical strength and ductility through various phase transformations, quantum effects occurring in quasicrystals affect their rheological properties. For example, at certain temperatures, these phases can exhibit increased resistance to deformation and crack formation, making them candidates for use in high-tech applications.

Comparison of the mechanical properties of these two types of phases is necessary for the optimization of Al-Cu-Fe alloys, which can ultimately lead to the creation of materials with specified characteristics and improved durability. It should be noted that further research in this area continues to open new horizons for materials science and engineering solutions.

This report discusses the mechanical properties of quasicrystalline and crystalline phases in Al–Cu–Fe alloys. Quasicrystals, with their unique anomalous symmetry, exhibit high hardness and low ductility, making them promising for use in materials with high wear resistance. Al–Cu–Fe alloys containing quasicrystalline phases have special mechanical properties that are due to their structural heterogeneity and phase distribution.

Crystalline phases in these alloys, such as the Al–Cu–Fe phase, show higher plasticity and extensibility than quasicrystalline ones. However, they have lower hardness, which limits their use under high load conditions. Analysis of the microstructure of Al–Cu–Fe alloys showed that the presence of a quasicrystalline phase contributes to improving strength characteristics due to the multilayer effect and limiting the movement of dislocations.

As a result, optimization of the content of various phases in Al–Cu–Fe alloys makes it possible to achieve a compromise between hardness and ductility, which opens up new prospects for their application in various industries.