TERNARY RME2X2 ALLOYS OF THE RARE-EARTHS WITH THE PRECIOUS METALS AND SILICON (OR GERMANIUM)

The structural characteristics of about 30 compounds with the composition RMe2X2 have been studied for R = rare earth (or uranium), Me = rhodium, palladium, silver, iridium, platinum or gold and X = silicon or germanium. Their structures proved to be related to the Al4Ba (ThCu2Si2) types. The average atomic volumes of these phases are compared with those of similar groups of alloys and are briefly discussed. Special reference is made to the cerium and ytterbium compounds and the behaviour of these elements is compared with that shown in their binary alloys. © 1979.