Author: C. Patiño-Carachurea, J. E. Flores-Chan, A. Flores Gil, G. Rosas

Institute: Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, Campus III, Av. Central S/N, CP 24115 MSNH, Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico, Instituto de Investigación en Metalurgia y Materiales, UMSNH, CP 58000, Morelia, Mich, Mexico

To create a nanocomposite material, high energy ball machining was performed on a mixture of hexagonal carbon and pure AlCuFe (QC) powders. The structure and morphology of the ground powders were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results obtained using X-ray diffraction showed that as the processing time increased, the peaks of the quasi-crystalline phase became broader, while the peaks of hexagonal carbon gradually disappeared, indicating the nanostructured nature of the sample. Analysis of the Raman spectra revealed the presence of nanocrystalline carbon particles acting as reinforcing elements in the composite.

The TEM data confirmed that high-energy ball milling resulted in the formation of nano-quasi-crystalline material with pronounced deformation of onion-shaped carbon (OLC) particles in a relatively short time. In SEM studies, it was observed that the powder particles decreased in size during the processing; however, TEM showed that the QC sizes were noticeably larger than those of OLC, suggesting that good dispersion and uniformity of reinforcement could be achieved. The particle sizes of OLC ranged from 4 to 12 nm, and the number of graphite layers varied from 8 to 22. High-resolution TEM data showed that the interlayer distance in the prepared OLC was about 0.33 nm, which corresponded to the (002) crystallographic planes of hexagonal graphite. It is expected that the obtained OLC could serve as a reinforcement in the matrix to enhance the strength and wear resistance of the product.

The synthesis of carbon-reinforced AlCuFe bulbous quasicrystals by high-energy ball milling is an innovative approach in materials science. The process begins with the careful selection of the starting components – aluminum, copper, iron and carbon, which must be in strictly defined proportions to achieve the desired quasicrystalline structures. High-energy milling, which occurs under intense mechanical stress, activates the microstructures, which facilitates the formation of unique bulbous aggregates.

These quasicrystals have anomalous mechanical properties, high strength and corrosion resistance, making them promising for use in various industries, from aerospace engineering to medicine. Carbon reinforcement not only increases the strength of the material, but also improves its thermal conductivity and hydrophobic properties.

Further research in this area could lead to the creation of new composite materials with unique properties, opening up broad horizons for future scientific and industrial applications.