Formation of quasicrystal in Zr₇₀Ni₁₀Mn₂₀ alloy during rapid solidification

The direct formation of a quasicrystal in Zr₇₀Ni₁₀Mn₂₀ ternary alloy during rapid solidification was observed by X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Observations of five-, three- and two-fold symmetry nanobeam electron diffraction patterns indicated that the quasicrystal has an icosahedral phase. A comparison of the Zr₇₀Ni₁₀Mn₂₀ and Zr₇₀Ni₁₀Al₂₀ alloys shows that substitution of Al by Mn in Zr₇₀Ni₁₀Al₂₀ reduces the glass-forming ability and promotes the formation of quasicrystals.