Experimental investigation and thermodynamic calculation of phase equilibria in the Mg–Pb–Zn ternary system

Abstract

The phase equilibria of the Mg–Pb–Zn ternary system were investigated using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), back scattered electron (BSE) imaging and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Three isothermal sections of the Mg–Pb–Zn ternary system at 200 °C, 300 °C and 400 °C were experimentally established. The phase equilibria of Mg–Pb binary and Mg–Pb–Zn ternary system were thermodynamically assessed by using CALPHAD (Calculation of Phase Diagrams) method on the basis of the presently determined experimental data. A consistent set of thermodynamic parameters has been derived for describing the Gibbs free energies of each solution phase and intermetallic compound in the Mg–Pb and Mg–Pb–Zn systems. The calculated phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties in the Mg–Pb and Mg–Pb–Zn systems are in good agreement with experimental data.