The increasing demand for materials which enable a more efficient energy conversion - materials allowing higher operating temperatures and a lower weight of the components with preferably better corrosion resistance- has put intermetallic-based alloys back into focus. For example, the recent use of light weight, TiAl-based alloys for automotive and aerospace applications has spurred research on other intermetallic-based alloys. In addition to structural intermetallics for extreme environments encountered in advanced energy systems, this book also focuses on fundamental and interdisciplinary aspects of novel intermetallic-metal systems (e.g., Co-based superalloys) and functional intermetallics that can store energy, generate power and enhance reliability. Topics include: intermetallics for hydrogen storage and thermoelectric applications; iron aluminides - physical metallurgy; titanium aluminides - physical metallurgy; titanium aluminides - structure, properties and coatings; iron aluminides, titanium aluminides, nickel aluminides and silicides; nickel/cobalt superalloys and nickel aluminides; niobium and molybdenum silicide-based alloys; laves phases and fundamental aspects of intermetallics - phase stability, defects and theory.
