Microstructure, crystal structure and mechanical properties of the new ternary intermetallic alloy phase Zr2TiAl

► Ti2ZrAl forms a single phase whereas the same preparation method does not yield single phase Zr2TiAl. ► Optimum heat treatment protocol gives specimens with major phase Zr2TiAl and Ti rich and Al rich minor phases. ► μ-beam XRD and nano-indentation method used for elucidating structure and mechanical properties. ► Grains of cubic major phase occupy nearly 77 volume % and the minor phases reside at the grain boundaries. ► Major phase harder with higher Young's modulus than the grain boundary.