Skip to main content
intermetallic

intermetallic

1 8.4
Formed when two or more metals join to make one substance
  • adjective
  • /ˌɪntərˈmɛtəlɪk/
  • Specialized
: intermetálico
  • Single crystals of intermetallic compounds can be grown in a variety of ways.
  • intermetallic compounds

Examples

  • The purpose of these tests is to detect detrimental intermetallic phases in the weld.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Amalgam is classified as an intermetallic compound because it is mixed with silver, tin, copper, and zinc.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Rare earth metals can be combined with other elements to form rare earth intermetallic compounds for a much wider choice of materials.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Intermetallic and composite systems will also be considered for vane applications.

    Academic text (1995)
  • However, the majority of intermetallic compounds, including RNi2B2C, are incongruently melting.

    Academic text (1998)
  • This is due to differences in film structures between the two classes of materials, principally to the presence of intermetallic phosphides in the electroless materials.

    Academic text (1998)
  • It appears that friction stir welding reduces the formation of the bad intermetallic compounds, which makes MIG welding of dissimilar metals a bad idea.

    Blog text (9)
  • Scientists study the mechanical properties of intermetallic compounds to improve material performance.

  • The new alloy contains several intermetallic phases that enhance its strength and durability.

  • Due to their unique characteristics, intermetallic materials are important in aerospace engineering applications.

Surface Forms

intermetallic positive

Morphology

intermetallic = metallic (semi-transparent) = inter + metal + ic

Formed by prefixation inter- + the adjective 'metallic'; the morphological relation is clear but the specific technical meaning ('a compound or phase of metals') is specialized and may not be predictable for general learners.

Etymology

Intermetallic comes from the parts inter- 'between' and metal 'metal', so as an adjective it describes something that forms or sits 'between' two metals, like a layer at a joint that can change the strength of the material.