An intermetallic is a type of metallic alloy that forms an ordered solid-state compound between two or more metallic elements. Alternatively, it can be called intermetallic compound, intermetallic alloy, ordered intermetallic alloy, or long-range-ordered alloy. Intermetallics are generally hard and brittle, with good high-temperature mechanical properties. They can be classified as stoichiometric or nonstoichiometic.
The term "intermetallic compounds" applied to solid phases has long been in use. However, Hume-Rothery argued that it misleads, suggesting a fixed stoichiometry and a clear decomposition into species.
