Surface composition of scratched and sputtered Al–Cu ribbons prepared by melt-spinning

In this study, aluminium–copper ribbons of various compositions are prepared by melt-spinning and analysed by Auger electron spectroscopy. Rapidly solidified ribbons usually show a microcrystalline or featureless microstructure, especially in zones located near the surface solidified in direct contact with the rotating wheel. The composition of that surface of the ribbons was analysed by Auger electron spectroscopy. These measurements were performed in both scratched and also ion sputtered zones. After sputtering of the ribbon surface with argon ions, a surface enrichment in copper was observed. However scratching the surface of the ribbons produced a surface composition nearly identical to the bulk. The interest of rapidly solidified alloys in calibration applications is discussed.