Abstract

Recognizing quasicrystals that are embedded in Al-based cast alloys is a challenging task. For this reason, we synthesized a series of multi-component, AlMn-based alloys that contain many icosahedral quasicrystals in addition to crystalline phases. We then conducted a thorough investigation in order to unambiguously distinguish the quasicrystalline phases from all the others. Numerous modern analytical techniques were employed for this, and our efforts proved to be successful. As a result, our newly developed, particle-extraction and surface-etching procedure has been successfully patented.

Keywords: Cast alloys, dynamic deep etching, etching technique, icosahedral quasicrystals, particle extraction, quasicrystal determination.