Quasicrystalline phases and their approximants in Al—Mn—Zn alloys

Abstract

Two Al—Mn—Zn alloys in melt-spun condition have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. The Al₂₄Mn₅Zn alloy was found to be fully icosahedral, while the Al₁₂Mn_2.9Zn alloy gave rise to decagonal quasicrystal. The decagonal phase grew in clusters with an orientation relationship between the grains suggesting nucleation on an icosahedral seed. On annealing at 500-600°C, the quasicrystalline phase transformed to a body centered orthorhombic phase L (a = 1.24, b = 1.26 and c = 3.05nm) with a high density of planar defects. This phase transforms to an ordered and defect free monoclinic phase M, a superlattice structure of L (a = c = 1.77, b = 3.05nm and β = 89.1°). The L phase is shown to be a rational approximant of the icosahedral phase. The interrelationship among quasicrystalline phases and their rational approximants in Al—Mn—Zn system are highlighted.