Porous aluminum reinforced with Cu25Fe12Al63 quasicrystals is a promising material with a unique combination of properties. The core of this composition is a porous aluminum matrix characterized by low density and high specific strength. The introduction of the quasicrystalline phase Cu25Fe12Al63 significantly improves the mechanical characteristics of the material, such as tensile strength and elastic modulus.
Further improvement of the properties is achieved by applying a nanosheet coating (Al11.5Fe13.9Cu19.7)O54.9. This oxide layer acts as a protective barrier, protecting the base material from corrosion and oxidation, especially at high temperatures. In addition, the nanosheet structure of the coating helps to increase wear resistance and surface hardness.
The combination of porous structure, quasi-crystalline reinforcement and protective nanosheet coating opens up wide possibilities for the application of this material in various fields, including aviation, automotive and biomedicine. Lightness, strength and resistance to environmental influences make it an ideal candidate for the creation of structural elements, heat exchangers and implants.
A novel porous material based on quasi-crystalline Al63Cu25Fe12 alloy, whose surfaces and pore walls are coated with a large number of (Al11.5Fe13.9Cu19.7)O54.9 nanosheets, was successfully synthesized using a combination of powder metallurgy and alkaline leaching. The composition, microstructure and crystal structure of the obtained material were thoroughly studied using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The studies showed that the composite material consisting of porous quasi-crystalline Al63Cu25Fe12 alloy and (Al11.5Fe13.9Cu19.7)O54.9 nanosheets exhibits significant catalytic activity in the process of steam reforming of methanol to produce hydrogen at relatively low temperatures. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy used to analyze the mechanisms of catalysis revealed the key role of copper in this catalytic reaction.
Author: Fan Zhang, Huijie Guo, Leilei Wang, Haikun Ma, Hua Li, Lei Zhang, Zhanbing H
Institute: State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metals and Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environmental Science, Liaoning Shihua, Fushun, Liaoning, 113001, China