Theoretical studies on the relationship between the thermionic work functions of refractory-metal intermetallic compounds and their electronic and crystal structures Final summary report

The Group VIA-Re binary systems are characterized by the presence of several intermediate phases. The u phase is present in all of the systems, but the a-Mn phases occur in only the Mo-Re and W-Re systems. The occurrence of these intermediate phases appears to be governed largely by electronic factors and is predictable on the basis of electron/atom ratio.

The thermionic work functions of the intermediate phase materials were experimentally determined. function and the screening of the outermost electrons in the Group VIA
metals was found.

A correlation between the work As might be expected for purely metallic substances, the work
functions were relatively high, in the range 4. 5 to 5. 0 eV, and in each case were bracketed by the work functions of the pure constituents.

A discontinuous change in the average work function with composition is proposed, based on a thermodynamical treatment of the electron vapor.