Structural studies of laves phases Zr(Cr1-xNix)(2) with 0<=x<=0.4 and their hydrides

Hexagonal C14-type Laves phases of the series Zr(Cr1-xNix)(2) with 0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.4 have been synthesised. Purity and quality of polycrystalline alloys have been checked using SEM and EDX techniques. By X-ray and neutron diffraction we have analyzed the structure of the alloys, and determined the sites for the Ni substitution. The positions of hydrogen atoms in the structure and the occupation of the different interstitial sites of the hydrides have been determined. The effects of the Ni/Cr substitution have been studied with regard to the phase stability, the maximum hydrogen content and the hydrogen site stability. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.