Laves phase intermetallic matrix composite in situ toughened by ductile precipitates

Laves phase intermetallic matrix composite toughened by ductile precipitates: (a) microhardness indent with corner cracking demonstrating (b) crack deflection, (c) crack bridging and (d) necking and pullout, resulting in (e) an improved KC(HV ) with comparison to other Laves phase materials, adapted from Zhu et al. (1999). 186