Quasicrystal phase formation in Al–Cu–Fe nanopowders during field-activated sintering (FAST)

The sequence of solid-state phase transformations in high-energy ball-milled Al–Cu–Fe alloy powders upon constant-rate heating were examined by in situ synchrotron radiation diffraction and thermal analysis (DSC/DTA) methods. The as-milled Al–Cu–Fe nanopowders were consolidated into disk-shape pellets using field-activated spark-plasma sintering (FAST/SPS). The chemical homogeneity and microstructure of the sintered bodies were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX). The effect of electric field application on the formation of quasicrystalline phases from mechanically activated nanopowders during sintering by FAST/SPS is discussed.