Emerging applications of intermetallics

Many intermetallic compounds display an attractive combination of physical and mechanical properties, including high melting point, low density and go od oxidation or corrosion resistance. This has led to their utilization in many non-structural applications, but success in structural applications ha s, to date, been limited. This paper reviews the current status of intermet allic applications, with emphasis on new uses that are in place or pending. Most of the paper deals with aluminides and silicides, but there are sever al more complex intermetallics that are being employed in battery and magne tic applications. Research on improved processing and studies:of the role o f environment in mechanical behavior are shown to be key to developing prac tical alloys. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.