Microstructure of Cr_100−xAl_x alloys (10 at% ⪅ x ⪅ 33 at%) studied by means of transmission electron microscopy and diffraction. I. Microstructure of the β‐phase

As part of a study on the microstructure of Cr_100–xAl_x alloys (10 at% ⪅ x ⪅ 33 at%) results are reported on the β‐phase (26 at% ⪅ x ⪅ 33 at%) since they bear a relationship with the microstructure in the wider composition range. From a crystallographic analysis of the structure, models are proposed for the defects of chemical as well as magnetic nature. Electron microscopy and diffraction observations are analysed in terms of these models and confirm the proposals. High resolution microscopy is used for a detailed analysis of the interfaces between domains down to an atomic scale. Diffuse intensity contours observed in the diffraction patterns of alloys with 20 at% ⪅ x ⪅ 26 at% Al are interpreted in terms of a transition state of the β‐phase.