What is the difference between intermetallics, precipitates and dispersoids?

Please emphasize on the material properties with reference to them and proper difference in
between them too.

Solid Dispersion

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Popular Answers (1)

30th Dec, 2015

Fernando Almeida Costa Oliveira

Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia

Dear Nilabh Dish,

All these terms refer to solidification and dispersion strengthening of alloys.

When the solubility of a metal is exceeded by adding too much of an alloying element, a
second phase forms. As a result, a grain boundary between two phases is created. This
boundary interferes with the slip of dislocations thereby strengthening the metal. In any
dispersion-strengthened alloy, the continuous phase is known as the matrix. The second
phase, typically present in smaller amounts, is called the precipitate.The precipitate acts as a
strong obstacle to slip of dislocations in the matrix. These particles should be small and
numerous to increase the likelihood that they interfere with the slip process. For this reason
they are also called dispersoids in the sense that they are finely divided particles of one
substance dispersed in another. On the other hand, intermetallics are compounds made up of
two or more elements, producing a new phase with its own composition, crystal structure and
properties. They are usually very hard and brittle, thus providing excellent dispersion
strengthening of the softer matrix. Both stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric compounds can
form. The former have a fixed composition (e.g. Fe3C in steels, Mg2Ca, AlSb) whilst the latter
show a range of compositions (e.g. nickel aluminides, MoRh). These compounds have typically
high melting points and can display desirable magnetic, superconducting and chemical
properties. Intermetallics have given rise to several new materials developments. Some
examples include hydrogen storage materials in nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries (see
more details at: http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/nickelmetalhydride_appman.pdf).

Hoping this helps.

Best wishes for the New Year.

Fernando Costa Oliveira

Lisboa, 30th December 2015

Cite

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All Answers (3)

30th Dec, 2015

Fernando Almeida Costa Oliveira

Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia

Dear Nilabh Dish,

All these terms refer to solidification and dispersion strengthening of alloys.

When the solubility of a metal is exceeded by adding too much of an alloying element, a
second phase forms. As a result, a grain boundary between two phases is created. This
boundary interferes with the slip of dislocations thereby strengthening the metal. In any
dispersion-strengthened alloy, the continuous phase is known as the matrix. The second
phase, typically present in smaller amounts, is called the precipitate.The precipitate acts as a
strong obstacle to slip of dislocations in the matrix. These particles should be small and
numerous to increase the likelihood that they interfere with the slip process. For this reason
they are also called dispersoids in the sense that they are finely divided particles of one
substance dispersed in another. On the other hand, intermetallics are compounds made up of
two or more elements, producing a new phase with its own composition, crystal structure and
properties. They are usually very hard and brittle, thus providing excellent dispersion
strengthening of the softer matrix. Both stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric compounds can
form. The former have a fixed composition (e.g. Fe3C in steels, Mg2Ca, AlSb) whilst the latter
show a range of compositions (e.g. nickel aluminides, MoRh). These compounds have typically
high melting points and can display desirable magnetic, superconducting and chemical
properties. Intermetallics have given rise to several new materials developments. Some
examples include hydrogen storage materials in nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries (see
more details at: http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/nickelmetalhydride_appman.pdf).

Hoping this helps.

Best wishes for the New Year.