Author:F. Turquier, V. D. Cojocaru, M. Stir, R. Nicula, E. Burkel

Institute: University of Rostock, Faculty of Physics, st. August Bebel 55, D-18055, Rostock, Germany

Quasicrystals are unique materials that have immaterial symmetry and diffraction properties that cannot be described by the standard theory of crystallography. The study and synthesis of quasicrystals are of great scientific interest because they have a number of unique physical and chemical properties, such as low surface energy, low thermal conductivity and high strength.

One of the methods for synthesizing quasicrystals is high-energy ball milling. This method involves mechanically mixing powders of various metals in a ball mill. During the grinding process, an increase in deformation and defects in the structure of the material occurs, which contributes to the formation of a quasicrystalline structure.                 

In this study, single-phase Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystals were synthesized using high-energy ball milling. The experiment used aluminum, copper and iron powders, which were mixed in a certain ratio and mechanically processed in a ball mill. After completion of the grinding process, an X-ray diffraction analysis of the resulting material was carried out, which confirmed the formation of single-phase Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystals.

Further research will allow us to study in more detail the properties and structure of the synthesized quasicrystals, as well as their potential application in various fields of science and technology. Increasing the efficiency of the process of synthesis of quasicrystals using high-energy ball milling will accelerate the development of this interesting class of materials and expand their application in practice.