Extension of Miedema's semiempirical model to estimates of the formation enthalpies of point defects in intermetallic compounds with the B2 structure

Point-defect formation in B2 intermetallic compounds is discussed. It is shown that in fact the problem is complicated. Miedema's semiempirical model is extended for estimating the enthalpies involved. From those estimates the type of disorder for a compound at higher temperature and by ballistic action (ball milling) is assessed. Results of the calculations are compared with known experimental results. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.