High-temperature deformation of the γ-Mg17Al12 complex metallic alloy

We report initial results on high-temperature deformation of a complex metallic alloy, the γ-Mg17Al12 phase, isostructural with α-Mn. Although, like all complex metallic alloys, the γ-Mg17Al12 phase is brittle at room temperature, a high deformability accompanied by a strong softening was observed above 573 K (∼2/3 melting point). Transmission electron microscopy investigation indicates that dislocation climb should be involved in the deformation mechanisms. Similarities with the deformation behaviour of quasicrystals and metallic glasses are discussed.