Room temperature section of the phase diagram of the Cu-Fe-Ge ternary system

Abstract

The room temperature section of the phase diagram of the Cu-Fe-Ge ternary system was determined by means of X-ray diffraction, microscopic investigation and electron probe microanalysis. The section consists of nine single-phase regions, σ (copper), β (Cu 5Ge), η (Cu 3Ge), τ (germanium), α-Fe, δ (Fe 3Ge), γ (Fe 3Ge 2), ρ (FeGe) and μ (FeGe 2), 15 two-phase regions and seven three-phase regions. All phase boundaries of these phase regions were established. No appreciable solid solubility of iron or copper in germanium was observed. The substitution of small amounts of germanium for copper in the terminal solid solution (copper) is very advantageous to increase the solubility of iron in copper at room temperature