Thermodynamic criterion for the formation of Laves phases in binary transition-metal systems

A thermodynamic factor k is proposed to combine the deviation of atomic size ratio from the ideal value of 1.225 and the formation enthalpy, for the formation of Laves phases in binary transition-metal systems. Based on calculations for some 132 Laves phases, the conditions favouring the formation of the Laves phases are that k be greater than a critical value of 310 and formation enthalpy be larger than -130 kJ mol -1 . The calculated results are statistically in agreement with experimental observations reported so far in the literature.