Intermetallic compounds and their mechanical behavior

Available information on the mechanical behavior of intermetallic compounds and its relation to relevant metallurgical phenomena and test parameters is reviewed. Brittleness at low homologous temperatures is indicated to be the most serious shortcoming of these compounds. But the room-temperature impact strength of intermetallic compounds is high compared to the refractory interstitial compounds. Furthermore, there are indications that the ductility of intermetallic compounds can be improved.