On the chemical composition analysis of the icosahedral phase in an MgZnYZr ingot

Abstract

The composition profiles of icosahedral quasicrystal (IQC) and matrix around the IQC in as-cast MgZnYZr alloy were examined by analytical transmission electron microscopy. The icosahedral phase existing along the grain boundary appeared in a range of compositions (67.0–76.3 wt.% Zn, 5.1–9.8 wt.% Mg, 9.9–13.4 wt.% Y and 5.9–9.8 wt.% Zr). The analytical solute concentratïon in the IQC and in the matrix around the IQC are variable, which gives information of quasicrystal growth and solute element diffusion.