Microhardness and devitrification studies of Al–TM–RE alloys

The Al87Ni7MM6 amorphous alloy was studied in order to understand the role of the Misch Metal (MM) on the devitrification behaviour. Three calorimetric peaks were found in DSC measurements. The first one is related to the precipitation of Al nanocrystals. Cu, Fe and Zr were also added to the Al87Ni7MM6 alloy (Al85Ni7MM6Fe1Zr0.5Cu0.5) in order to improve the stability of the glassy phase. Primary precipitation of an intermetallic during devitrification was then found.The microhardness was measured at different devitrification steps and the results are compared with those collected for other Al87Ni7RE6 alloys (with RE: La, Ce, Nd, Sm).