Determination of atomic-scale crystal structure for nanostructured intermetallic alloys, such as magnetic alloys containing Al, Ni, Co (alnico) and Fe, is crucial for understanding physical properties such as magnetism, but technically challenging due to the small interatomic distances and the similar atomic numbers. By applying energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping to the study of...

The aim of this work is to elucidate the formation of the amorphous phase in the Cu-Zr binary alloy system. It was found that 1 mm diameter rods with a fully amorphous structure can be prepared in a relatively wide range of compositions. In contrast, the formation of 2 mm diameter rods was achieved only for the Cu64Zr36 alloy and in the range of Cu53Zr47 Cu50Zr50, which are compositions near th...

An experiment on the early stages of intermetallic compound layer growth during soldering and its theoretical analysis were conducted with the intent to study the controlling factors of the process. An experimental technique based on fast dipping and pulling of a copper coupon in liquid solder followed by optical microscopy allowed the authors to study the temporal behavior of the sample on a s...

The present study demonstrates the evolution of eutectic microstructure in arc-melted (Zr0.76Fe0.24)100-xNbx (0 ≤ x ≤ 10 atom %) composites containing α-Zr//FeZr₂ nano-lamellae phases along with pro-eutectic Zr-rich intermetallic phase. The effects of Nb addition on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties under compression, bulk hardness, elastic modulus, and indentation fractur...

This paper presents the results of studies on the influence of oxygen partial pressure (vacuum level in the chamber) on the properties of FeAl intermetallics. One of the problems in the application of classical methods of prepared Fe-Al intermetallic is the occurrence of oxides. Applying a vacuum during sintering should reduce this effect. In order to analyze the effect of oxygen partial pressu...

Potential mapping measurements have been performed on passive surfaces in air using an Atomic Force Microscopy based technique, the Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscope (SKPFM). A linear relation was found between the potential measured this way and the corrosion potential in aqueous solution for a range of pure metals. The SKPFM can be considered to map the practical nobility of the surface....

We discuss flux pinning and nanostructural analyzes of two intermetallic superconductors that exhibit substantial deviations from the usual flux-shear behavior. Kramer plots for a MgB 2 thin film, which contained a substantial fraction of MgO nanoprecipitates, show an additional component that is attributed to core pinning by the precipitates. Also, polycrystalline MgCNi 3 displays a crossover ...

Ti-Al-Si alloys are prospective material for high-temperature applications. Due to low density, good mechanical properties, and oxidation resistance, these intermetallic alloys can be used in the aerospace and automobile industries. Ti-Al-Si alloys were prepared by powder metallurgy using reactive sintering, milling, and spark plasma sintering. One of the novel SPS techniques is high-pressure s...

The increasing worldwide energy consumption calls for the design of more efficient energy systems. Thermoelectrics could be used to convert waste heat back to useful electric energy if only more efficient materials were available. The ideal thermoelectric material combines high electrical conductivity and thermopower with low thermal conductivity. In this regard, the intermetallic type-I clathr...

An oscillatory microstructure has been observed during deep-cellular growth of directionally solidified Sn-36at.%Ni hyperperitectic alloy containing intermetallic compounds with narrow solubility range. This oscillatory microstructure with a dimension of tens of micrometers has been observed for the first time. The morphology of this wave-like oscillatory structure is similar to secondary dendr...