First-principles studies of effects of interstitial boron and carbon on the structural, elastic, and electronic properties of Ni solution and Ni3Al intermetallics

The effects of boron and carbon on the structural, elastic, and electronic properties of both Ni solution and Ni3Al intermetallics are investigated using first-principles calculations. The results agree well with theoretical and experimental data from previous studies and are analyzed based on the density of states and charge density. It is found that both boron and carbon are inclined to occupy the Ni-rich interstices in Ni3Al, which gives rise to a cubic interstitial phase. In addition, the interstitial boron and carbon have different effects on the elastic moduli of Ni and Ni3Al. The calculation results for the G/B and Poisson's ratios further demonstrate that interstitial boron and carbon can both reduce the brittleness of Ni, thereby increasing its ductility. Meanwhile, boron can also enhance the ductility of the Ni3Al while carbon hardly has an effect on its brittleness or ductility.