Scanning probe microscopy studies of the surface of decagonal quasicrystals in ambient conditions

The surface preparation of decagonal Al–Ni–Fe and Al–Ni–Co quasicrystals using chemical polishing and mechanical fracture was investigated with regard to the requirements of scanning probe microscopy. Scanning tunnelling microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies of the morphology of fracture surfaces were carried out in ambient conditions, showing a typical dimension of 60 nm for surface corrugations. Oxidic corrosion of the quasicrystal surfaces was observed. On the oxide layer, the friction between the surface and the tip is reduced.