Laser processing and microstructure of Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystalline coatings on Al-base materials

Abstract
There is a large interest in using high power lasers for surface alloying or cladding on aluminium alloys, in order to enhance hardness and to improve wear resistance. A partly quasicrystalline surface layer (QC) (Al-Cu-Fe coating) has been obtained by laser cladding on Al-base materials. In addition to crystalline phases (Al₅Fe₂ and Al₁₃Fe₄, with dissolved copper), a quasicrystalline Al-Cu-Fe phase is detected. However, crystallization of this quasicrystalline phase occurs during isothermal heat treatment at 525°C. A mechanism is proposed for the solidification process resulting from laser cladding.