In situ observation of decomposition of quasicrystal precipitates in Al[sbnd]Fe alloy

Abstract An in situ observation of the decomposition of quasicrystal precipitates has been carried out in a dilute Al-Fe alloy. It is found that the quasicrystalline phase, which is formed during initial annealing at 400[ddot]C, is decomposed and completely dissolved within the Al matrix after further annealing at 450[ddot]C for 3.5 h. The significance of this observation is discussed in terms of the stability of quasicrystals in solid-state reactions.