Phase relations in the ternary system Ga–Pd–Sn at 500 °C

Abstract

Phase relations in the ternary system Ga–Pd–Sn are presented in the complete concentration range at 500 °C. Binary phases of the terminating systems Ga–Pd and Pd–Sn show solubilities of 0–13 at.% Ga or Sn at constant Pd concentration, while isostructural phases GaPd2 and SnPd2 reveal complete mutual solubility at 66.7 at.% Pd. The only ternary phase has the homogeneity range at 60 at.% Pd with a composition Ga13–17Sn27–23Pd60. Phase analysis has been performed by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive and wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS and WDXS) as well as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Microstructure analysis revealed considerably slow equilibration with increasing Pd content and showed significant variations in the habit of the solid solution Ga1−xSnxPd2.