Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Porous Al-Cu-Fe-Cr Quasicrystalline Powder via Ball Milling and Selective Leaching

Abstract

In this research, the synthesis of porous Al-Cu-Fe-Cr quasicrystalline powder for antimicrobial properties was explored. An icosahedral formation Al-Cu-Fe base alloy was doped with 3 wt% chromium and then ball-milled for 50 hours at 250 rpm in the presence of n-hexane to inhibit oxidation. Then hot-pressed at 600 degree celsius done to form icosahedral phase. After this, a 10% NaOH solution was used to selectively leach the aluminum, inducing surface porosity. XRD confirmed the retention of icosahedral quasicrystalline phase. Antimicrobial activity testing against Bacillus species determined significant inhibited zones, showing potential biomedical significance. This study demonstrates the formation and antimicrobial behavior porous quasicrystalline material through mechanical processing and chemical treatment.