Phase equilibria of the Sn–Sb–Ag ternary system and interfacial reactions at the Sn–Sb/Ag joints at 400 °C and 150 °C

Abstract

The isothermal sections of the Sn–Sb–Ag ternary system at 400 °C and 150 °C were determined in this study by experimental examination. At both temperatures, the experimental results are as follows: No ternary compounds were found in the Sn–Sb–Ag system. Two extensive regions of mutual solubility were found. The one located between the two binary isomorphous phases, Ag 3Sn and Ag 3Sb, is labeled ɛ and the other one located between the two binary isomorphous phases, Ag 4Sn and Ag 4Sb, is labeled ζ. The ɛ phase is a very stable phase and is in equilibrium with the ζ, Sb, SbSn, and Sn phases. Each of the Sb and SbSn phases has a limited solubility of Ag. It was found that the equilibrium phases in the isothermal section of the Sn–Sb–Ag ternary system at 400 °C are very similar to those in the section at 150 °C. Besides equilibria determination, the interfacial reactions between Sn–Sb alloys and an Ag substrate were investigated at the same temperatures, producing phase formation results in the Sn–Sb/Ag couples that are very similar to those in Sn/Ag couples.