Rare-earth transition-metal intermetallic compounds produced via self-propagating, high-temperature synthesis

• Published in: Journal of materials research Vol. 25; no. 4; pp. 718 - 727
• Main Authors: McDonald, Joel P., Rodriguez, Mark A., Jones, Eric D., Adams, David P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, USA Cambridge University Press 01.04.2010; Springer International Publishing
• Subjects: Applied and Technical Physics; Biomaterials; Combustion synthesis (SHS); Inorganic Chemistry; Materials Engineering; Materials Science; Nanotechnology; Physical vapor deposition (PVD); X-ray diffraction (XRD); Physical vapor deposition (PVD); X-ray diffraction (XRD); Combustion synthesis (SHS)
• ISSN: 0884-2914; 2044-5326
• DOI: 10.1557/JMR.2010.0091

Several binary intermetallic compounds—each containing a rare-earth (RE) element paired with a transition metal (TM)—were prepared by self-propagating, high-temperature synthesis (SHS). Thin multilayers, composed of alternating Sc or Y (RE element) and Ag, Cu, or Au (TM), were first deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering. Once the initially distinct layers were stimulated and caused to mix, exothermic reactions propagated to completion. X-ray diffraction revealed that Sc/Au, Sc/Cu, Y/Au, and Y/Cu multilayers react in vacuum to form single-phase, cubic B2 structures. Multilayers containing Ag and a RE metal formed cubic B2 (RE)Ag and a minority (RE)Ag2 phase. The influence of an oxygen-containing environment on the reaction dynamics and the formation of phase were investigated, providing evidence for the participation of secondary combustion reactions during metal-metal SHS. High-speed photography demonstrated reaction propagation speeds that ranged from 0.1–40.0 m/s (dependent on material system and foil design). Both steady and spin-like reaction modes were observed.