Abstract: The present invention relates to matter alloys including copper.

Abstract: A rigid electrical raft has electrical conductors embedded in a rigid material. The electrical conductors transmit electrical signals through the rigid electrical raft, which may form part of an electrical system of a gas turbine engine. The rigid electrical raft also has electrical heating elements embedded therein. The electrical heating elements provide heat which may be used, for example, to prevent condensation and/or ice build-up and/or to raise the temperature of electrical components to be within a desired range.

Abstract: A backing plate integrated sputtering target includes a flange part having a Vicker's hardness (Hv) of 90 or more and a 0.2% yield stress of 6.98×107 N/m2 or more. Enhancing the mechanical strength of only the flange part of the target inhibits the target from being deformed during sputtering, and further, does not vary the original sputtering characteristics. Consequently, the target can form a thin film having excellent uniformity. This can improve the yield and the reliability of semiconductor products, which have been progressing in miniaturization and integration.

Abstract: A preform structure for soldering a semiconductor chip arrangement includes a carbon fiber composite sheet and a solder layer formed over the carbon fiber composite sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed are metal-containing precursors having the formula Compound (I) wherein: —M is a metal selected from Ni, Co, Mn, Pd; and —each of R-1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 are independently selected from H; a C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group; a C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic alkylsilyl group (mono, bis, or tris alkyl); a C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic alkylamino group; or a C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic fluoroalkyl group. Also disclosed are methods of synthesizing and using the disclosed metal-containing precursors to deposit metal-containing films on a substrate via a vapor deposition process.

Abstract: Permanent and soft magnets that do not depend on rare-earth elements have suitable magnetic properties for electric motor and generator applications. Both saturation magnetization and magneto-crystalline anisotropy of a manganese-bismuth (Mn—Bi) permanent (hard) magnet are increased by alloying the Mn—Bi magnet with cobalt (Co) or cobalt-iron (Co—Fe). Such magnets do not include rare-earth and precious metals (e.g., platinum), which are expensive and often limited in supply, but offer high magneto-crystalline anisotropy and magnetization. Therefore, a relatively high maximum energy product (BH)max is achieved.

Abstract: Identifying a stable phase of a binary alloy comprising a solute element and a solvent element. In one example, at least two thermodynamic parameters associated with grain growth and phase separation of the binary alloy are determined, and the stable phase of the binary alloy is identified based on the first thermodynamic parameter and the second thermodynamic parameter, wherein the stable phase is one of a stable nanocrystalline phase, a metastable nanocrystalline phase, and a non-nanocrystalline phase.

Abstract: Methods are provided for deposition of films comprising manganese on surfaces using metal coordination complexes comprising an amidoimino-based ligand. Certain methods comprise exposing a substrate surface to a manganese precursor, and exposing the substrate surface to a co-reagent.

Abstract: Methods for producing nanoparticles of metal alloys and the nanoparticles so produced are provided. The methods include addition of surfactant and cationic metal to a novel reagent complex between zero-valent metal and a hydride. The nanoparticles of zero-valent metal alloys produced by the method include ˜7 nm zero-valent manganese-bismuth useful in fabricating a less expensive permanent magnet.

Abstract: A method of depositing a film of a metal having a volatilization temperature higher than 350° C., as well as, a composite material including the same are disclosed. The method can include providing the source material in a vacuum deposition processing chamber, and providing a substrate in the vacuum deposition processing chamber. The substrate can be spaced apart from, but in fluid communication with, the source material, and also maintained at a substrate temperature that is lower than the volatilization temperature. The method can also include reducing an internal pressure of the vacuum deposition processing chamber to a pressure between 0.1 and 14,000 pascals; volatilizing the source material into a volatilized metal by heating the source material to a first temperature that is higher than the volatilization temperature; and transporting the volatilized metal to the substrate using a heated carrier gas, whereby the volatilized metal deposits on the substrate and forms the metal film.

Abstract: High purity manganese having a purity of 3N (99.9%) or more, wherein number of non-metal inclusions with a size of 0.5 ?m or more is 50000 or less per 1 g of the high purity manganese. A method for producing high purity manganese, wherein refining is performed using a raw material (secondary raw material) obtained by acid-washing a manganese raw material (primary raw material) so that the produced high purity manganese has a purity of 3N (99.9%) or more, and number of non-metal inclusions with a size of 0.5 ?m or more is 50000 or less per 1 g of the high purity manganese. The present invention provides a method for producing high purity metal manganese from commercially available manganese, and aims to obtain high purity metal manganese having a low LPC.

Abstract: In a dry etching method for etching a metal film formed on a substrate by use of etching gas containing ?-diketone, the metal film contains at least one metal material that forms a penta- or hexa-coordinated complex structure with ?-diketone; the etching gas containing ?-diketone contains at least one additive among H2O or H2O2; and the additive is contained at a volume concentration of 1% or greater and 20% or less.

Abstract: A mechanical structure is provided with a crystalline superelastic alloy that is characterized by an average grain size and that exhibits a martensitic phase transformation resulting from a mechanical stress input greater than a characteristic first critical stress. A configuration of the superelastic alloy is provided with a geometric structural feature of the alloy that has an extent that is no greater than about 200 micrometers and that is no larger than the average grain size of the alloy. This geometric feature undergoes the martensitic transformation without intergranular fracture of the geometric feature.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to shaped transition metal particles, in particular in the form of a dispersion in an aqueous and/or organic medium, the manufacture thereof and their use as an infrared (IR) absorbing agent, an IR curing agent for coatings, an additive in conductive formulations, an antimicrobial agent or for sensoring organic and/or inorganic compounds. Further, the invention relates to dispersions comprising said shaped particles and an aqueous and/or organic medium, such as a thermoplastic or crosslinkable polymer, as well as to antimicrobial compositions and products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a metal catalyst having improved yield of alcohols. The method for preparing a metal catalyst for the production of alcohol from synthesis gas includes forming a metal catalyst; and irradiating the metal catalyst with gamma rays. The metal catalyst has improved yield of alcohols by stabilizing the metal catalyst through gamma ray irradiation to inhibit generation of hydrocarbons in catalytic reaction with synthesis gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable iron alloy-containing compositions for use in preparing medical devices. In addition, biodegradable crystalline and amorphous compositions of the invention exhibit properties that make them suitable for use as medical devices for implantation into a body of a patient. The compositions include elemental iron and one or more elements selected from manganese, magnesium, zirconium, zinc and calcium. The compositions can be prepared using a high energy milling technique. The resulting compositions and the devices formed therefrom are useful in various surgical procedures, such as but not limited to orthopedic, craniofacial and cardiovascular.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pulverulent materials suitable for storing hydrogen, and more particularly to a method of preparing such a material, in which: (A) a composite metallic material having a specific granular structure is prepared by co-melting the following mixtures: a first metallic mixture (m1), which is an alloy (a1) of body-centered cubic crystal structure, based on titanium, vanadium, chromium and/or manganese, or a mixture of these metals in the proportions of the alloy (a1); and a second mixture (m2), which is an alloy (a2), comprising 38 to 42% zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum and/or tungsten and 56 to 60 mol % of nickel and/or copper, or else a mixture of these metals in the proportions of the alloy (a2), with a mass ratio (m2)/(m1+m2) ranging from 0.1 wt % to 20 wt %; and (B) the composite metallic material thus obtained is hydrogenated, whereby the composite material is fragmented (hydrogen decrepitation).

Abstract: A base body for an implant comprising a biocorrodible iron alloy including at least one of the following: (i) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula Fe—P where P is 0.01-5 wt %, and Fe plus impurities account for the remainder up to 100 wt %; or (ii) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula Fe—Mn—X where Mn is 5-30 wt %, X is at least one of Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, Re, Ru and Os, and X is 0-20 wt % and Fe plus impurities account for the remainder up to 100 wt %; or (iii) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula Fe—Z where Z is at least one of Pt, Ir and Os and Z is 5-30 wt %, and Fe plus impurities account for the remainder up to 100 wt %.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to shaped transition metal particles, in particular in the form of a dispersion in an aqueous and/or organic medium, the manufacture thereof and their use as an infrared (IR) absorbing agent, an IR curing agent for coatings, an additive in conductive formulations, an antimicrobial agent or for sensoring organic and/or inorganic compounds. Further, the invention relates to dispersions comprising said shaped particles and an aqueous and/or organic medium, such as a thermoplastic or crosslinkable polymer, as well as to antimicrobial compositions and products.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aluminum-based master alloy for manganese alloying of metal alloys and a method for producing thereof, and use thereof for production of the metal alloys. The master alloy is aluminum and manganese (Al—Mn) alloy in form of splatters, which contains the following components in mass %: Mn 77-93, other components in total 0-5, Al—the rest. The method for producing the master alloy is characterized in that the temperature for adding the manganese to the liquid metal is in the range from 660 to 1600° C., and the cooling rate of the alloy during casting is in the range of 50-1500° C./sec for obtaining splatters of the master alloy. Thickness of splatters is in the range of 1-10 mm. The master alloys AlMn80 and AlMn90 are designed to be used for manganese alloying of metal alloys, whereas the temperature for adding the master alloy in the liquid metal is in the range from 600 to 850° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing ultra low phosphorus and carbon ferromanganese having 0.1 wt % or less carbon and 0.03 wt % or less phosphorus. The method includes preparing low carbon silicomanganese having low phosphorus content, preparing molten manganese slag, subjecting the molten manganese slag and the low carbon silicomanganese having low phosphorus content to primary mixing and stirring at a ratio of 70˜72:28˜30 in a ladle, thus producing a metal melt and slag, and subjecting the metal melt separated from the above slag and the molten manganese slag identical to that used in the primary mixing and stirring to secondary mixing and stirring, thus producing slag and a metal melt including 91˜93 wt % manganese, 0.60˜0.85 wt % silicon, 0.05˜0.10 wt % carbon and 0.015˜0.02 wt % phosphorus.

Abstract: Nanomaterial preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed and claimed. Such methods can provide nanomaterials with improved morphologies relative to previous methods. Such materials are useful in electronic applications.

Abstract: The hinge in accordance with the present invention is made with a metal injection molding process from an alloy having at least: from 4 to 32 wt % Mn, from 16 to 37 wt % Cr and Fe that fills up the rest percentage.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of identifying molecules that cooperatively and positively interact with either a ligand or a target molecule of a ligand/target molecule pair, or molecules that interact with a ligand/target molecule complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making and using and compositions of metal nanoparticles formed by green chemistry synthetic techniques. For example, the present invention relates to metal nanoparticles formed with solutions of plant extracts and use of these metal nanoparticles in removing contaminants from soil and groundwater and other contaminated sites. In some embodiments, the invention comprises methods of making and using compositions of metal nanoparticles formed using green chemistry techniques.

Abstract: The presence of mycotoxins in agricultural products necessitates large scale testing of a wide range of sample material to ensure the safety of food and feed. The mycotoxin ochratoxin A represents an enablement for all mycotoxins as the level of sensitivity necessary for regulatory requirements for this compound at the part per billion level are as low or lower than any other mycotoxin. This invention describes the identification of a set of DNA ligands with sufficiently high binding affinity and specificity for ochratoxin A to enable an improvement over existing methods for the separation, concentration and quantitative determination of ochratoxin A in sample material.

Abstract: The ammonia decomposition catalyst of the present invention is a catalyst for decomposing ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen, including a catalytically active component containing at least one kind of transition metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel, preferably including: (I) a catalytically active component containing: at least one kind selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, and vanadium; (II) a catalytically active component containing a nitride of at least one kind of transition metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel; or (III) a catalytically active component containing at least one kind of iron group metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and nickel, and at least one metal oxide, thereby making it possible to effectively decompose ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen at relatively low temperatures and at

Abstract: To provide a production process of an electrode catalyst for fuel cell whose initial voltage is high and whose endurance characteristics, especially, whose voltage drop being caused by high-potential application is less. A production process according to the present invention of an electrode catalyst for fuel cell is characterized in that: it includes: a dispersing step of dispersing a conductive support in a solution; a loading step of dropping a platinum-salt solution, a base-metal-salt solution and an iridium-salt solution to the resulting dispersion liquid, thereby loading respective metallic salts on the conductive support as hydroxides under an alkaline condition; and an alloying step of heating the conductive support with metallic hydroxides loaded in a reducing atmosphere to reduce them, thereby alloying them.

Abstract: Non-evaporable getter alloys, such as Y 75%-Mn 15%-Al 10%, are provided and can be activated at relatively low temperatures and have good properties in sorbing a wide variety of gases, particularly hydrogen.

Abstract: A method of fractionating biomass, by permeability conditioning biomass suspended in a pH adjusted solution of at least one water-based polar solvent to form a conditioned biomass, intimately contacting the pH adjusted solution with at least one non-polar solvent, partitioning to obtain an non-polar solvent solution and a polar biomass solution, and recovering cell and cell derived products from the non-polar solvent solution and polar biomass solution. Products recovered from the above method. A method of operating a renewable and sustainable plant for growing and processing algae.

Abstract: A mechanical structure is provided with a crystalline superelastic alloy that is characterized by an average grain size and that is characterized by a martensitic phase transformation resulting from a mechanical stress input greater than a characteristic first critical stress. A configuration of the superelastic alloy is provided with a geometric structural feature of the alloy that has an extent that is no greater than about 200 micrometers and that is no larger than the average grain size of the alloy. This geometric feature is configured to accept a mechanical stress input.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant with a base body composed entirely or in parts of a biocorrodible manganese alloy.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for atomic transformations carried out under conditions akin to chemical catalysis. Liquid and solid state catalysts are used in a two-step process. We have found that the high ionic/electric activity of concentrated sodium hydroxide solution in combination with heating is sufficient to induce atomic transformation and provide a solid phase catalyst of high aluminum and silicon content. This product when heated at a temperature of 1000° C. yields numerous elements of higher atomic masses.

Abstract: Stable atomic quantum clusters, AQCs, characterized by being composed of at least 500 metal atoms, its production process characterized by having a kinetic control and by maintaining a low concentration of reagents in the reaction medium, as well as the uses of these clusters as sensors (fluorescent, magnetic or chemical), electrocatalysts and as cytostatics and/or cytotoxics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process having an operation. The operation includes near-liquidus rheomolding of a molten light-metal alloy being injectable, under pressure, into a mold.

Abstract: Floating slow-release fertilizer is designed to significantly reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This granulated fertilizer has a density lighter than seawater. Therefore its pellets can float on the surface of seawater. After being dispensed into water, the pellets are able to continually release certain nutrients for a period of time. During this period, an otherwise inanimate water region is temporarily suitable for plant growth. Floating slow-release fertilizer enables the growth of planting phytoplankton in ocean to remove CO2 from atmosphere. The advantages of the fertilizer are as following: all nature, effective, no byproduct, no land using, no pollution, using solar energy mainly, small investment, easy to control, low operation cast.

Abstract: A stabilized, chemically reactive, metallic nano-material effective for degradation of chlorinated organic compounds in soils, sediments and groundwater. The nano-material is composed of a magnetic metal nanoparticle and a carbohydrate stabilizer bound to the nanoparticle. The preferred metal nanoparticle is iron and the preferred carbohydrate stabilizer is either a starch or a water soluble cellulose such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The nanoparticle may be either mono-metallic, bi-metallic or multi-metallic in nature, but is preferably bi-metallic wherein it is coated with a secondary catalytic metal coating, preferably palladium. A method of making the metallic nano-material is further disclosed wherein a solution of the metal nanoparticle and carbohydrate stabilizer is prepared, and the nanoparticle is then reduced under inert conditions.

Abstract: A process of making metal nanoparticles comprising the steps of: providing a precursor composition comprising at least one metallic compound and at least one organic compound; wherein the organic compound is selected from the group consisting of an ethynyl compound, a metal-ethynyl complex, and combinations thereof; wherein the precursor composition is a liquid or solid at room temperature; and heating the precursor composition under conditions effective to produce metal nanoparticles. A metal nanoparticle composition comprising metal nanoparticles dispersed homogenously in a matrix selected from the group consisting of ethynyl polymer, crosslinked ethynyl polymer, amorphous carbon, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoparticles, graphite, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A manganese alloy sputtering target characterized in that oxygen is 1000 ppm or less, sulfur is 200 ppm or less and a forged texture is provided, and a method for producing a forged manganese alloy target stably by eliminating the drawbacks of manganese alloy that it is susceptible to cracking and has a low rupture strength. A manganese alloy sputtering target which can form a thin film exhibiting high characteristics and high corrosion resistance while suppressing generation of nodules or particles is thereby obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ductile binder phase for use with AlMgB14 and other hard materials. The ductile binder phase, a cobalt-manganese alloy, is used in appropriate quantities to tailor good hardness and reasonable fracture toughness for hard materials so they can be used suitably in industrial machining and grinding applications.

Abstract: A manganese alloy sputtering target characterized in that oxygen is 1000 ppm or less, sulfur is 200 ppm or less and a forged texture is provided, and a method for producing a forged manganese alloy target stably by eliminating the drawbacks of manganese alloy that it is susceptible to cracking and has a low rupture strength. A manganese alloy sputtering target which can form a thin film exhibiting high characteristics and high corrosion resistance while suppressing generation of nodules or particles is thereby obtained.

Abstract: A manganese-based damping alloy having stable damping properties; a process by which the damping alloy can be obtained without fail; and a damping part or vibration-proof product comprising or employing the damping alloy. A damping alloy made up of from 16.9 to 27.7 wt% copper, from 2.1 to 8.2 wt% nickel, from 1.0 to 2.9 wt% iron, 0.05 wt% or less carbon, 0.06 wt% or less oxygen, 0.06 wt% or less nitrogen, and manganese and unavoidable impurities as the remainder. Due to this constitution, nonmetallic inclusions such as carbides generate in a reduced amount and the manganese-based alloy can be pure. Consequently, the formation of a twin-crystal structure during heat treatment is accelerated and factors which inhibit the twin-crystal structure from moving upon stress imposition are diminished, whereby damping properties can be improved.

Abstract: A process for producing a high-purity Mn material comprising the steps of premelting crude Mn at 1250-1500° C. and vacuum distilling the melt at 1100-1500° C. The degree of vacuum during the vacuum distillation ranges from 5×10−6 torr to 10 torrs. A crucible for use in the vacuum distillation is a double crucible, which consists of inner and outer crucibles, and a carbon felt packed in the space therebetween. A high-purity Mn material for thin film deposition which contains a total of not more than 100 ppm impurity metallic elements, not more than 200 ppm oxygen, not more than 50 ppm nitrogen, not more than 50 ppm S, and not more than 100 ppm C.

Abstract: Mn alloy materials for magnetic materials contain 500 ppm or less, preferably 100 ppm or less, oxygen, 100 ppm or less, probably 20 ppm or less, sulfur, and preferably a total of 1000 ppm or less, more preferably 500 ppm or less, impurities (elements other than Mn and the alloying component). The alloying component that forms an alloy with Mn is one or two or more elements selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ir, Pt, pd, Rh, Ru, Ni, Cr and Co. Sputtering targets formed from the Mn alloy materials for use in depositing magnetic thin film, and the thin films so produced.

Abstract: A BCC type hydrogen-absorbing alloy, which uses a ferroalloy, is advantageous from the aspect of the production cost and exhibits excellent hydrogen absorption and desorption characteristics due to a fine structure constituted by spinodal decomposition even when the iron component is increased. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy is expressed by the general formula AxVayBz, where A is at least one of Ti and Zr, Va is at least one member of the Group Va elements of the Periodic Table consisting of V, Nb and Ta, and B contains at least Fe and is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Mo and W, each of x, y and z satisfies the relation, in terms of of the atomic number ratio, 0≦x≦70, 0≦y≦50, x+y+z=100, and x/z=0.25 to 2.0, the phase of the body-centered cubic structure is at least 50% in terms of the phase fraction and its lattice constant is at least 0.2950 nm but not greater than 0.3100 nm.

Abstract: A process for producing a high-purity Mn material comprising the steps of premelting crude Mn at 1250-1500° C. and vacuum distilling the melt at 1100-1500° C. The degree of vacuum during the vacuum distillation ranges from 5×10−6 torr to 10 torrs. A crucible for use in the vacuum distillation is a double crucible, which consists of inner and outer crucibles, and a carbon felt packed in the space therebetween. A high-purity Mn material for thin film deposition which contains a total of not more than 100 ppm impurity metallic elements, not more than 200 ppm oxygen, not more than 50 ppm nitrogen, not more than 50 ppm S, and not more than 100 ppm C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scandium containing hydrogen absorption alloy having an alloy phase which is represented by the following formula;(Sc.sub.x A.sub.1-x)(B'.sub.y B".sub.2-y).sub.zwherein A is at least one of Ti, Zr, rare-earth elements, a mixture of Ti and at least one of Zr, Ta, Nb, Hf, Ca and rare-earth elements, and a mixture of Zr and at least one of Ti, Ta, Nb, Hf, Ca and rare-earth elements; B'is at least one of Ni, Fe, Co and a mixture of at least one of Ni, Fe and Co and at least one of Al, Ga, Si and In; B" is at least one of Mn, V, Cr, Nb, Ti and a mixture of at least one of Mn, V, Cr, Nb and Ti and at least one of Al, Ga, Si and In; x represents 0<x.ltoreq.1; y represents 0<y<2; and z represents 0.75.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.2, and the alloy phase includes at least one of a part which belongs to a C15 type Laves phase and a part which belongs to a C14 type Laves phase, and a hydrogen absorption electrode which includes the alloy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material for hydrogen-storage constituted by Ti-Mn alloy system which has a high hydrogen-storage capacity, plateau hydrogen dissociation equilibrium pressure, hypostoichiometric composition and crystal structure of C14. Ti-Mn alloy system for hydrogen-storage of the invention which has a C14 crystal structure, is represented as: Ti.sub.u Zr.sub.v Mn.sub.w Cr.sub.x V.sub.y X.sub.z, wherein, X is at least one of element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Al and Ni; u, v, w, x, y and z are mole numbers of each components; 0.7<u<1.0; 0<v<0.3; 1.0.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.1.3; 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.4; 0<y<0.3; 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.2; 0.7<u+v<1.0; 1.4.ltoreq.w+x.ltoreq.1.7; and, 1.3.ltoreq.w+x+y+z<2.0.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy for use in an environment where the alloy has the possibility of contacting oxygen is capable of inhibiting impairment of the hydrogen absorbing ability thereof when coming into contact with oxygen. The alloy has a composition represented in atomic ratio by Ti.sub.1-x Y.sub.x Mn.sub.y wherein x and y are in the range of 0<x.ltoreq.0.2 and 1.5.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.2.0, respectively, and comprises a C14-type crystal structure of Laves phase, the Laves phase having a segregaton phase of high Y concentration. Ti can be replaced by Hf and/or Zr within the range of over 0 to not greater than (1-x)/2 included in 1-x for the Ti atom. Mn can be replaced by V or Fe within the range of over 0 to not greater than y/2 included in y for the Mn atom.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a type of novel material compositions for hydrogen storage. The material compositions includes a hydrogen storage Laves-phase alloy which has a material composition represented by A.sub.1-X B.sub.X C.sub.Y where A=(Zr or Hf).sub.1-X1 Ti.sub.X1 and X1 has a value between zero to one, B=La, Ce, Pr, Nd and mixed rare earth, alkaline, or alkaline earth metallic element, C=V.sub.Y1 Ni.sub.Y2, where Y1 has a value between zero to 0.8, Y2 has a value between 1.3 to 3.0, and X has a value between zero to 0.2 and Y has a value between 2.0 to 3.0. In a preferred embodiment, when the value of X is greater than zero, the Laves-phase alloy includes a plurality of B--Ni clusters.