Mechanical properties of large quasicrystals in the Al–Cu–Li system

Abstract

Following the report of Dubost et al.¹, the synthesis and detailed growth characteristics of the quasicrystalline phase in the Al–Cu–Li system were recently documented². Here we have grown large (∼3 mm) grains as well as orientated grains of the quasicrystals and have studied their mechanical properties. On account of the quasicrystals being brittle, we have employed successfully an indentation technique^3–7, normally used for brittle ceramics, to determine hardness and fracture toughness. Here we report the technique used and the values obtained.