Pressure-Induced Amorphization of Quasi Crystals

Abstract

X-ray diffraction analysis under high pressure was performed on the icosahedral phase of an Al 6 Li 3 Cu alloy. The icosahedral phase was isotropically compressed under pressure, Above 10 GPa, however, a broad glassy background developed, while the diffraction peaks from the I-phase began to decrease markedly in intensity. This is the first observation of pressure-induced amorphization from the I-phase. At 28 GPa, new diffraction peaks developed from the glassy background. On release of pressure, the new peaks disappeared but the glassy background still remained after a month.