Solidification behaviour of Fe–Gd–Mo alloys

Abstract

Microstructures of the solidified Fe–Gd–Mo ternary alloys have been examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The nature and chemical composition of the different phases present have been determined by electron probe X-ray microanalysis and X-ray diffraction. These results have been utilized to construct a liquidus projection of the Fe–Gd–Mo system, taking into account the thermal effects detected in the course of solidification with the use of differential thermal analysis. Six ternary peritectic reactions and two ternary eutectic reactions have been found to occur within the liquidus projection. These observations have been used to establish the solidification sequences of the Fe–Gd–Mo alloys studied.