Structure, properties and application of Ni3Al aluminides

Abstract

Intermetallic compounds have long been recognized as potentially useful structural materials, Ni3Al aluminides possess excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures as well as good high-temperature strength, This paper reviews the progress which has been made during the last few years in the research and development of Ni3Al aluminides. Comparative results on microstructural and mechanical properties (compression) of Ni3Al-base aluminide produced by powder metallurgy (PM), vacuum melting and casting processes have been reported. Fine-grained PM aluminide exhibits the higher strength than the coarse-grained as-cast material. Ductility is not significantly affected by the grain size.