Chemical and thermodynamic properties of several Al–Ni–R systems

The standard enthalpies of formation at 300 K of the RNiAl phases (R=rare earth) have been obtained by using a high temperature direct reaction drop calorimeter and an aneroid isoperibol calorimeter. State and composition of the samples were checked by X-ray diffraction analysis. Metallographic examination was performed and the phases were further identified by electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. The results obtained are discussed and compared with those available for the binary RNi2 and RAl2 compounds.