What is an intermetallic compound and what are its properties?

Intermetallic compound, any of a class of substances composed of definite proportions of two or more elemental metals, rather than continuously variable proportions (as in solid solutions). The crystal structures and the properties of intermetallic compounds often differ markedly from those of their constituents.

How are intermetallic compounds formed?

Intermetallic compounds are usually formed when alloying elements, such as Fe, Cu, Mn, Mg and Sr. are added to Al-Si based alloys. These elements are depicted by X in the alloys formation expression. The effects of Fe-phase and other intermetallics formed by Cu, Mg and Mn were examined.

What is meant by intermetallic compound?

Intermetallic compounds are defined as solid phases involving two or more metallic or semimetallic elements with an ordered structure and often a well-defined and fixed stoichiometry [1–3].

Is Fe3C an intermetallic compound?

➢ Fe3C (iron carbide or cementite) This intermetallic compound is metastable, it remains as a compound indefinitely at room T, but decomposes (very slowly, within several years) into α-Fe and C (graphite) at 650 – 700 °C.

What are intermetallic compounds used for?

Intermetallic particles often form during solidification of metallic alloys, and can be used as a dispersion strengthening mechanism.

What makes intermetallic compounds different from alloy?

The key difference between alloy and intermetallic compound is that alloys contain metallic components and nonmetallic components, whereas intermetallic compounds contain metallic or semi-metallic components. An alloy is a metallic substance that contains at least one metal element along with other elements.

Is Cementite a intermetallic compound?

Cementite is the name of an intermetallic compound in steel alloys which has the chemical formula Fe3C. Cementite is a hard brittle phase and steels containing high proportions of this phase will have increased strength/hardness but lower ductility.

Which is a characteristic of an intermetallic compound?

Intermetallic compounds (IMCs), which are very unique in terms of their well-defined stoichiometry, atomic arrangement and controlled crystal structure, represent a vibrant and exciting field of research converged at the forefront of catalysis, nanotechnology and materials.

How are metallic materials represented in intermetallics phase diagram?

METALLIC MATERIALS – INTERMETALLICS Intermetallics:  Classification:  Stoichiometric intermetallic compounds have a fixed composition. They are represented in the phase diagram by a vertical line.

Which is the best example of an intermetallic particle?

Intermetallic particles often form during solidification of metallic alloys, and can be used as a dispersion strengthening mechanism. History. Examples of intermetallics through history include: Roman yellow brass, CuZn; Chinese high tin bronze, Cu 31 Sn 8; Type metal, SbSn

Why is the intermetallic layer between copper and tin important?

Nevertheless, the Intermetallic Compounds (IMC) between the copper and the tin surface has to be monitored because its presence can determine if the joint between PCB and solder paste alloy can be formed[3,4] because its excessive growth in components or pads before soldering implies possible wetting issues.

What is an intermetallic compound and what are its properties? Intermetallic compound, any of a class of substances composed of definite proportions of two or more elemental metals, rather than continuously variable proportions (as in solid solutions). The crystal structures and the properties of intermetallic compounds often differ markedly from those of their constituents. How…