Synthesis and applications of Intermetallics

Intermetallic compounds, intermetallics, are characterized by interesting properties, such as e.g. excellent high -temperature oxidation resistance, shape memory or ability to store hydrogen reversibly. Their positive, but also negative, properties are a combination of the behaviour of metals and ceramics. Their wider application in industry is limited due to low room-temperature ductility and problematic production, associated with high melting points of many intermetallics, high reactivity of metals at high temperatures and problematic processing. In this paper, the overview of the methods for synthesis of intermetallic compounds is presented, ranging from conventional casting processes to modern powder metallurgy technologies. Selected interesting applications from industry and medicine, where their unique properties are use