Quasicrystals, which possess a unique combination of aperiodic order and long-range translational symmetry, have attracted considerable attention due to their unusual physical and chemical properties. AlCuFe alloys, in particular, exhibit high oxidation stability at room temperature, making them promising for various applications, including protective coatings. However, the behavior of AlCuFe quasicrystalline phases at elevated temperatures, especially in oxidizing environments, requires more detailed study.
In this study, powders of quasicrystalline AlCuFe alloy were oxidized in air at 500 °C for different periods of time. The phase composition and structural changes during oxidation were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The samples were ground to a homogeneous state and applied to a holder for XRD analysis. The obtained diffraction patterns were analyzed using specialized software for phase identification and determination of crystal lattice parameters.
The results of XRD analysis showed that oxidation of quasicrystalline AlCuFe powder at 500 °C leads to the formation of aluminum (Al2O3) and copper (CuO) oxides. The intensity of the peaks corresponding to the oxides increases with increasing oxidation time, indicating progressive oxidation of the alloy. A decrease in the intensity of the peaks corresponding to the quasicrystalline phase is also observed, indicating its gradual destruction during oxidation.
The study of oxidation of quasicrystalline AlCuFe powders at 500 °C by X-ray diffraction showed that the oxidation process involves the formation of aluminum and copper oxides, as well as the destruction of the quasicrystalline phase. The results obtained are important for understanding the thermal stability and oxidation resistance of quasicrystalline materials and can be used in the development of new materials with improved properties.
Author: P. Weisbecker, G. Bonhomme, G. Bott, J. M. Dubois
Institute: National Institute of Materials Science, 1-2-1, Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan