High temperature intermetallics – with particular emphasis on TiAl

Abstract

A national project aiming at the development of high temperature intermetallic compounds was launched in 1989. TiAl and some refractory metal aluminides and silicides such as Nb₃Al are target materials for the project, which has aroused great interest in the technologies for processing of these intermetallic compounds and in their properties, particularly their mechanical and oxidation properties. This is an overview of the current research and development activities in Japan concerning TiAl and other intermetallic compounds recognised as potentially useful high temperature structural materials. A brief explanation of the project is also presented.