The production, testing and characterization of intermetallics is expensive
and time consuming. In view of the wide range of intermetallics which need
to be explored, the development of rapid and simple methods for classifyin
g intermetallics is of importance. In the current work we will describe a m
ethod of producing layered or graded materials containing a sequence of int
ermetallics by controlled dissolution and solidification. The scale of the
structure is such that hardness and toughness can be assessed by the use of
microhardness indentation and, in addition, the properties of specific int
erfaces can be assessed. An example is shown for the copper-aluminum system
where the sequence of intermetallics CuAl2, CuAl, CugAl(4) can be created.
Interfacial fracture between the CuAl2 (tetragonal phase) and the CuAl (mo
noclinic/orthorombic phase) has been observed and characterized by Atomic F
orce, Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci
ence Ltd. All rights reserved.