Abstract: Intermetallics for structural applications at high temperatures must show a sufficient high temperature strength which is controlled by creep processes. In the first section the creep behaviour of single-phase intermetallic alloys is overviewed with respect to stress and temperature dependence and effects of composition and microstructure. It is shown in particular that creep deformation is controlled by diffusion. The second section refers to multiphase intermetallic alloys, and both particulate and non-particulate alloys are regarded. Data are presented for single-phase and multiphase alloys based on B2 phases and lesscommon phases and the consequences of diffusion control for alloy design are discussed.

Key words: creep, B2 phases, NiAl, particulate alloys, multiphase alloys