Preparation of large single grains of the quasicrystalline icosahedral Al–Cu–Fe ψ phase

A cyclic heat-treatment process was used to prepare single grains of the quasicrystalline icosahedral phase, ψ–Al₆₅Cu₂₃Fe₁₂. Alloys of appropriate composition are melted and chill cast into copper molds. Multiple cyclic heat treatments at successively higher temperatures below 860 °C, the peritectic decomposition temperature of the quasicrystal phase, are used to enhance the growth of the ψ phase. Single grains up to 10 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm have been prepared.