Physical and mechanical metallurgy of Ni ₃ Al and its alloys

Abstract

AbstractAbstractThe physical and mechanical metallurgy of Ni3Al and its alloys is reviewed. Emphasis is on developments within the past five years, a period of extremely rapid growth in research on the behaviour of this unusually interesting intermetallic compound. This review is particularly concerned with solute effects on properties such as diffusion rates, ductility, fatigue resistance, and environmental stability, subjects that only recently have received much attention. Novel processing techniques, including rapid solidification and powder processing, are shown to have played a key role in providing Ni3Al-base alloys with improved properties. An assessment of needed areas of research to hasten commercial applications of Ni3Al alloys concludes the review.