Growth and Characterization of Al(x)CuLi(y) Quasicrystals

Synthesis and growth of large Al(x)CuLi(y) quasicrystals by Bridgman techniques will be described. Characterization of these crystals was carried out with optical and electron microscopy, X-ray methods, energy dispersive analysis and differential thermal analysis. The nature and habit of this material will be described from results obtained under various growth and annealing conditions. Sensitivity of the formation of the icosahedral (i-) phase and the cubic (R-) phase with growth and annealing conditions will be discussed in the light of the melt composition, metastability and a proposed T-x phase diagram in the region of Al6CuLi3. ;