3D Characterisation of the Fe-rich intermetallic phases in Al-5%Cu alloys by synchrotron X-ray microtomography and skeletonisation

TL;DR

This study uses synchrotron X-ray microtomography and skeletonisation to analyze the 3D structures of Fe-rich intermetallic phases in Al-Cu alloys, revealing differences in morphology and network characteristics based on Fe content.

Contribution

It introduces a combined use of synchrotron X-ray microtomography and skeletonisation to characterize 3D morphologies of Fe-phases in Al-Cu alloys, providing detailed structural insights.

Findings

Fe-phases in 1.0%Fe alloy have longer node lengths (5-25 μm) than in 0.5%Fe alloy (3-17 μm)

Fe-phases in 1.0%Fe alloy exhibit sharper mean curvature with wider distribution

Four different types of Fe-phases structures were revealed through combined SEM and 3D analysis

Abstract

Synchrotron X-ray microtomography and skeletonisation method were used to study the true 3D network structures and morphologies of the Fe-rich intermetallic phases in Al-5.0%Cu-0.6%Mn alloys with 0.5% and 1.0% Fe. It was found that, the Fe-phases in the 1.0%Fe alloy have node lengths of 5-25m; while those in the 0.5%Fe alloy are of 3-17 m. The Fe-phases in the 1.0%Fe alloy also developed sharper mean curvature with wider distribution than those in the 0.5%Fe alloy. Combining SEM studies of the deeply-etched samples, the true 3D structures of 4 different type Fe-phases in both alloys are also revealed and demonstrated.