Formation of quasicrystalline phase in Al70−x Ga x Pd17Mn13 alloys

Abstract

In the present investigation, the formation and stability of icosahedral phase in Al70− x Ga x Pd17Mn13 alloys has been explored using X-ray diffraction, scanning, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Cast alloys and melt-spun ribbons with x = 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15 and 20 have been investigated. In both cases, the alloys up to 5 at% Ga exhibit the formation of pure icosahedral phase. However, for x ≥5 at% Ga content, the cast alloy exhibits the formation of multiphase material, consisting of an icosahedral phase along with AlPd-type B2 and ξ′ crystalline (orthorhombic structure with unit cell a = 23.5 Å, b = 16.6 Å and c = 12.4 Å) phases. In the case of the melt spun ribbon for x = 5 at% Ga, only an icosahedral phase has been found, but for 15 > x > 5 at% Ga, an icosahedral phase is the majority phase with AlPd-type B2 phase being the minority component. For x = 15 at% Ga, a Al3Pd2-type hexagonal phase together with a small amount of quasicrystalline phase is formed. However, for x = 20, only a hexagonal Al3Pd2 phase results.