The Structure of Cast Al2Au Intermetallic Compound with Added Cu

A mixture of the Al2Au intermetallic compound and copper powders was compacted and then melted in an argon atmosphere to form an Al2Au + Cu ingot. Study of the structure of the alloy showed the formation of areas of the Al2Au intermetallic phase, which are brightly colored and are present in the AlAu intermetallic matrix. Thin Cu-enriched streaks occur inside the AlAu matrix. The optical characteristics of the prepared ternary compound have been measured. The microindentation of the intermetallic phases has been performed; the microhardness and contact elastic modulus have been determined.