The microstructure and compression strengths of Ir-15 at. pct X (X ϭ Ti, Ta, Nb, Hf, Zr, or V) binary alloys at temperatures between room temperature and 1800 ЊC were investigated to evaluate the potential of these alloys for ultra-high-temperature use. The fcc and L1 2 two-phase structures of these alloys were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The strengths of the Ir-Ta, -Nb, -Hf, and -Zr alloys were above 800 MPa at temperatures up to 1200 ЊC and about 200 MPa at 1800 ЊC. The strengths of these alloys under 1000 ЊC are equivalent to or higher than those of the commercially used Ni-base superalloys, MAR-M247 and CMSX-10. The Nb concentration dependence of strength was investigated using a series of Ir-Nb alloys with Nb concentrations from 0 to 25 at. pct. It was found that the Ir-base alloys were strengthened by L1 2 precipitation hardening. The potential of the Ir-base alloys for ultra-high temperature use is discussed.

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