Experimental investigation and thermodynamic calculations of the Ag–Ga–Zn phase diagram

Abstract

Phase diagram of the Ag–Ga–Zn ternary system was investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) methods. Experimentally obtained results were compared with the results of thermodynamic calculation of phase equilibria based on calculation of phase diagram (CALPHAD) method and literature data. Phase transition temperatures of alloys with overall compositions along three selected vertical sections Ag–Ga50Zn50, Ga–Ag50Zn50 and Zn–Ag50Ga50 were measured by DTA. Liquidus temperatures were experimentally determined and compared with the results of thermodynamic calculations. Identification of coexisting phases in the samples equilibrated at 300°C and 400°C was carried out using SEM–EDS and XRD methods. Obtained results were compared with the calculated isothermal sections of the Ag–Ga–Zn ternary system at corresponding temperatures. Calculated liquidus projection and invariant equilibria of the Ag–Ga–Zn ternary system were presented.