TEM analysis of Gd5(SixGel−x)4, where x=1/2 Original Research Article

The material Gd5(SixGel−x)4, with x=1/2 was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. The material possesses a complex crystallographic structure and undergoes a unique, reversible, transformation at low temperatures and an irreversible high temperature transformation. The high, room and low temperature microstructures of arc-melted and heat treated samples are reported. Direct observation of the transformation with a discussion on the mechanism of the reversible, low temperature, phase transformation is detailed.