Laves phase

Laves phases are intermetallic compounds of defined composition. They are named after the German mineralogist Fritz Laves. Its cause they have in the optimal packing of differently sized balls. Forming alloy-like mixed crystals of the composition MeMe'2 with radii ratios to r ( ME) / r (Me ') = 1.225. For example, the ratio is 1.25 and KNa2 at CaMg2 1.23. Laves phases are generally hard and brittle but highly heat resistant. A characteristic feature is the almost perfect electrical conductivity, they are at room temperature but not plastically deformable.