Solid-state reaction of Ru powder in molten Al x Bi 1− x

We describe a low-temperature solid-state interdiffusion technique that allows reaction between spatially separated reacting species and its application in the Al--Ru alloy system. This technique uses a liquid-metal solvent (Bi) as a medium for the transfer of Al to the surface of Ru powder where reaction occurs with the formation of nanocrystalline Al{sub {ital x}}Ru{sub 1{minus}{ital x}} product phases. X-ray diffraction measurements are used to follow the time and temperature dependence of the reaction. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy allows direct imaging of the growth and morphology of the Al{sub {ital x}}Ru{sub 1{minus}{ital x}} product phases.