Scratch-induced surface microstructures on the deformed surface of Al-Cu-Fe icosahedral quasicrystals

TL;DR

This study investigates the microstructural changes in Al-Cu-Fe icosahedral quasicrystals caused by scratching, revealing phase transformations and defect formations that relate to observed ductility.

Contribution

It provides detailed microscopy evidence of phase transformations and defect structures induced by scratching in Al-Cu-Fe IQCs, advancing understanding of their deformation mechanisms.

Findings

Transformation of IQC to a modulated structure

Transformation of IQC to bcc phase beneath tracks

Observation of twins and dislocations

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations of sintered Al-Cu-Fe icosahedral quasicrystal (IQC) have been carried out to understand the origin of some ductility previously noticed within tracks produced by standard tribological scratch tests. Transformation of the icosahedral phase to a modulated structure is shown and a transformation of the IQC to a bcc phase has been found beneath the tracks. Twins and dislocations have also been observed.