10 Condensed phases of inorganic materials: Metallic systems

Abstract

Phase equilibrium in binary metallic systems has been extensively studied in support of metallurgical engineering. The early work put emphasis on the experimental methods as thermal analysis and metallographic and resulted in the landmark collection of phase diagrams. Phase equilibrium for a binary metallic system is usually represented on an isobaric temperature–composition diagram. Phase equilibrium expressed, using binary temperature–composition phase diagrams, has long been recognized as central to metallurgical processing. The development of these diagrams was almost exclusively undertaken as an experimental activity, involving the substantial use of microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. The widespread use of computers has awakened a more fundamental understanding of the thermodynamic principles of phase diagram construction. This has enabled experimental measurements of thermodynamic solution properties to contribute in greater measure to phase diagram development and assist in major international assessment programs leading to comprehensive compilations.