Ductile L12Rh3Ti intermetallics for ultra-high temperature applications

The microstructures and deformation behavior at 25–1000 °C of Rh–xTi (x=15, 20, and 25 at.%) alloys were studied. The alloys were prepared by non-consumable electrode arc melting, The arc-melted buttons were isothermally forged at 1100 °C, and the mechanical properties at 25–1000 °C were evaluated by microhardness measurements, compression testing, and 3-point bend testing. The deformed specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy for the determination of the extent and nature of slip and by transmission electron microscopy for the identification of dislocation activity. Unlike many other high temperature intermetallics, the Rh–Ti alloys do exhibit room temperature ductility. The high temperature strength and creep resistances are superior in Rh–Ti alloys to some of the other high temperature intermetallics.