LAVES PHASE Meaning and
Definition
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Laves phase refers to a particular intermetallic compound that consists of two different metallic elements. It is named after the German metallurgist Fritz Laves, who first described and identified this class of compounds in the early 20th century. Laves phases are characterized by a crystal structure that is most commonly hexagonal or cubic and involves close-packed atomic arrangements.
These intermetallic compounds typically exhibit a range of interesting physical and chemical properties due to their unique crystal structure. Laves phases can possess high melting points, excellent corrosion resistance, and high hardness, making them suitable for various applications in materials science and engineering.
Laves phases often form as secondary phases in alloys when certain atomic compositions are reached, typically at high temperatures during solidification or during heat treatment processes. The formation of Laves phases can be influenced by factors such as atomic size ratios between the components, as well as temperature and pressure conditions.
Furthermore, Laves phases have been found to play a significant role in various alloy systems, including those based on transition metals like titanium, zirconium, and niobium. Their presence in alloys can affect the material's mechanical properties, phase stability, and other functional characteristics. Thus, understanding the formation and behavior of Laves phases is crucial for designing and engineering advanced materials with tailored properties.
Etymology of LAVES PHASE
The word "laves phase" is derived from the name of the Swedish mineralogist, Johan August Arfwedson Laves (1928-2018). Laves made significant contributions to the field of crystallography and discovered various crystal structures, one of which is now known as the "Laves phase". This term is primarily used in materials science and refers to a type of intermetallic compound with a specific crystal structure composed of two types of atoms in a 1:1 ratio. The term was coined to honor Laves for his contributions to the field.
