Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Process for synthesizing compounds from elemental powders and product

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5440920

A process for synthesizing intermetallic compounds from elemental powders is described. The elemental powders are initially combined in a ratio which approximates the stoichiometric composition of the intermetallic compound. The mixed powders are then formed into a compact which is heat treated at a controlled rate of heating such that an exothermic reaction between the elements is initiated. The heat treatment may be performed under controlled conditions ranging from a vacuum (pressureless sintering) to compression (hot pressing) to produce a desired densification of the intermetallic compound. In a preferred form of the invention, elemental powders of Fe and Al are combined to form aluminide compounds of Fe[sub 3] Al and FeAl. 25 figures.

DOE Contract Number:
AC07-76ID01570
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5269830; A
OSTI ID:
5440920
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English