Intermetallic

[citation needed] The term intermetallic is used[6] to describe compounds involving two or more metals such as the cyclopentadienyl complex Cp6Ni2Zn4.

Cleavage or intergranular fracture modes are typical of intermetallics due to limited independent slip systems required for plastic deformation.

[8] They may offer a compromise between ceramic and metallic properties when hardness and/or resistance to high temperatures is important enough to sacrifice some toughness and ease of processing.

They can display desirable magnetic and chemical properties, due to their strong internal order and mixed (metallic and covalent/ionic) bonding, respectively.

[citation needed] Intermetallic particles often form during solidification of metallic alloys, and can be used as a dispersion strengthening mechanism.

[1] Examples of intermetallics through history include: German type metal is described as breaking like glass, without bending, softer than copper, but more fusible than lead.