Laser processed Al3Ti-based intermetallics: Al5± XTi2± Y(Fe, Ni, or Cu)1±z

A new processing route for intermetallics starting from elemental metal powders and using laser beam heating has been investigated, by which three Al3Ti-based ternary intermetallic systems alloyed with Fe, Ni, or Cu, respectively, have been produced. Structures and compositions of five phases found in the three systems have been analyzed using optical metallography, transmission electron diffraction and microscopy, and thin foil energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry. The structure of three matrix phases in the three systems was identified as L12 type, which is consistent with previous work. The space group of the second phases in the two systems alloyed with Fe or Ni was reconfirmed or newly determined as Fm3m, using convergent beam electron diffraction. The lattice parameter measurements of these five found phases indicated atomic size-effect on the formation of intermetallics.