MICROSTRUCTURAL PECULIARITIES OF Al-Ni ALLOYS PREPARED BY HIGH-FREQUENCY INDUCTION FUSION

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a high-frequency (HF) magnetic induction process and heat treatment on the composition of rapidly cooled Al-Ni alloys. The results showed that the Al₃Ni and AlNi phases were present in all compositions, including Al-40 wt.% Ni, 50 wt.% Ni, and 60 wt.% Ni in both initial and treated states. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to confirm these results. Heat treatment at 500°C for 1 h was found to be effective in producing the desired composition. In addition, we can spot the presence of a possible quasicrystalline phase close to the β-NiAl phase's (110) line in alloys containing 30 wt.% Ni to 60 wt.% Ni after an hour of heat treatment. The addition of Ni to aluminum increases its Vickers microhardness due to the redistribution of nickel after heat treatment and the decagonal quasi-crystalline phase.