ScPd 2 Al 3 – New polymorphic phase in Al-Pd-Sc system

Abstract

We have discovered a new compound of the composition ScPd2Al3 crystallizing in unknown structure type. Moreover, ScPd2Al3 reveals polymorphism. We have found an orthorhombic crystal structure at room temperature and a high temperature cubic phase. The polymorphic phases are separated by a reversible first order transition at 1053°C with a hysteresis of 19°C. ScPd2Al3 exists as a very stable intermetallic phase just in the vicinity of the icosahedral quasicrystal Tsaitype i-phase Al54Pd30Sc16.