Development of an Al–Mn–Be–Cu alloy with improved quasicrystalline forming ability

An Al94Mn2Be2Cu2 cast alloy was developed displaying increased quasicrystalline formation ability at moderate cooling rates. The as-cast microstructure consisted of a mainly icosahedral phase in the Al-matrix. The microstructure remained stable during uniform heating to 580 °C and isothermal annealing at 400 °C. Most of the icosahedral phase was preserved even after 24 h annealing at 500 °C. For that reason, this alloy presents a promising basis for further development of cast Al-alloys containing quasicrystals.