An Al_(62)Cu_(26)Fe_(12) alloy was gas-atomized in a protective N₂ atmosphere to prepare powders containing the icosahedral quasicrystalline phase as reinforcing particles. Fabrication of composites was achieved by adding the Al_(62)Cu_(26)Fe_(12) p...
An Al_(62)Cu_(26)Fe_(12) alloy was gas-atomized in a protective N₂ atmosphere to prepare powders containing the icosahedral quasicrystalline phase as reinforcing particles. Fabrication of composites was achieved by adding the Al_(62)Cu_(26)Fe_(12) powders into the pure Al molten metal as a matrix material, followed by a quick agitation during conventional casting. The composites showed a relatively good bonding between the particles and molten Al without the formation of any intermetallic compound, despite the partial dissolution of the small satellite particles. Mechanical properties evaluated through compression and non-destructive continuous indentation tests of the composites indicated a significant increase of the yield stress especially in the range up to 10% volume fraction of reinforcing particles within a reliable error range. Strengthening mechanisms were reviewed to estimate the role of the icosahedral and coexisting crystalline phases on the increase of the yield stress.