Some Defect Types in Intermetallics and their Consequences

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis short introductory overview focuses on point defects and their practical implications, on antiphase domains, and also on a feature that is not always perceived as a defect – imperfect long-range order. All these defect types have consequences for mechanical behavior of various kinds; imperfect LRO also affects the superconducting behavior of A15s. Other unfamiliar defects in intermetallics, to be outlined, include ‘rattling atoms’ in certain thermoelectric materials. Geometry and dynamics of dislocations in intermetallics are left to other contributors.