A. Faraji - Ceramic Department, Materials and Energy Research center, Karaj, Iran
V. Aghaali - School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran
M. R. Rahimipour - Ceramic Department, Materials and Energy Research center, Karaj, Iran

In this study, Al-based composites reinforced with Al۵۹Cu۲۵.۵Fe۱۲.۵B۳ quasicrystal (QC) were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. Microstructural and mechanical properties were examined. It is observed that with addition of quasi-crystalline reinforcement the intensity of the quasi-crystalline peak has increased. Also, it is observed that by performing spark plasma sintering, the quasi-crystalline particles maintain their stability. Due to low temperature of the process and the short time of spark plasma sintering, the occurrence of destructive phases within the quasi-crystal has been prevented. based on field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images, the distribution of quasi-crystalline particles at the sample level has increased. In addition, the mechanical properties are improved by increasing the quasi-crystalline particles. Therefore, the sample with ۱۵ vol.% of quasi-crystal has better results than other samples in improving microstructural and mechanical properties and it can be considered as an optimal sample with suitable practical properties.

Quasi-crystals, Al matrix, Spark Plasma Sintering, Mechanical properties