Microstructure of an Ingot of Sm2Fe17 Intermetallic and its Homogenization

Abstract

The phase composition and microstructure of Sm – Fe alloys obtained by vacuum induction melting of the elements are studied near the stoichiometry of Sm₂F₁₇ by the methods of scanning electron microscopy, local microanalysis and x-ray analysis. The possibility of coherent junction of all the phase components of an ingot is analyzed with the help of representation of the crystal structures of all intermetallics of the Sm – Fe system in terms of coordination polyhedrons. It is shown that long-term annealing at a high temperature (for 30 h at 1150°C) does not remove from the structure of the ingot the regions of metallic samarium formed due to the peritectic type of solidification of the Sm₂Fe₁₇ intermetallic.