Preparation and Characterization of Aluminium Alloy Based Quasicrystal Reinforced Composites

Abstract

Al alloy particulate composites have attracted considerable importance for the last 20 years. However, the commercial viability of these composites is still being explored. In the present investigation, attempt has been made to develop stable Al62Cu25Fe13 quasicrystalline alloy by casting route followed by their incorporation in Al and Al-6.5Si alloy matrix after pulverization in a ball mill. The alloy powders showed icosahedral phases in the milled condition also. The powder metallurgy method of making composites gave uniform distribution of quasicrystalline phase particles in the matrix with a little diffusion of other constituent elements in the matrix. The casting route for Al matrix composites seems to be a difficult proposition as the particle identity is lost due to diffusion, as this is a high temperature processing. However, the incorporation becomes possible when accomplished in a semi-solid state. The properties of the composite such as hardness and electrical conductivity are reported. The hardness increases with the increase in the volume fraction of particles. Whereas, electrical conductivity seems to be affected by solid solubility and volume fraction.