Ternary intermetallics in aluminiumrefractory metal-X systems (X = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn)

Abstract

The phase equilibria of aluminium containing ternary systems are reviewed with particular emphasis on the structure, composition, and stability of the intermetallic compounds present in these systems. The ternary systems are of the type AI-refractory metal (Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo)-X (X = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), with the majority of the information originating from Soviet and German literature. Inconsistencies between the results of various investigations are highlighted when such comparison is at all possible, although frequently only a single source is available. Potential ternary intermetallics of interest are discussed based on their density, crystal structure, melting point, and compositional range of existence. A trend is noted in the crystal structure of Al₃X-type compounds as a function of the location of the constituent elements in the periodic table. In the last section of this review, current theoretical approaches for predicting crystal structure stability and phase diagrams are outlined with illustrative examples.