Short range order in δ-phase of niobium nitride

Neutron diffraction study of short range order in δ-phase of niobium nitride is carried out. Treatment of experimental results showed, that in fist coordination sphere nitride atoms trend surround themselves by vacancies (α1<0). Nitrogen atoms are pushing out to the second sphere. Annealing at 1273K and subsequent quenching results in alteration of nitrogen atom's nearest surrounding (α1<0) and therefore tendency to decomposition appears. (author). 5 refs., 1 fig