Binary eutectic system (example, silver-copper) The two constituents are not completely soluble in each other

Copper (Cu) FCC 0.128 nm atomic radii

Silver (Ag) FCC 0.144 nm atomic radii

Mix 50% Ag + 50% Cu, gives two solid phases (a and b)

a (saturated - mostly Cu with some Ag)

Not this!

b (saturated - mostly Ag with some Cu)

Eutectic reaction: One liquid phase becomes two distinct solid phases upon cooling L cooling a + b
Liquid, L a+L Eutectic temperature a+b

b+L

Eutectic composition

Eutectic composition liquid

Eutectic reaction

Liquid, L a+L

b+L

a+b

Eutectic Reaction (at eutectic temperature and composition)

Crystal of one phase forms (via diffusion in the liquid) Local area becomes depleted of one constituent. The depleted area near the solidification pushes the local composition into a solid forming range on the phase diagram. This causes the second solid phase to form adjacent to the first phase.

Eutectic reaction

Liquid, L a+L

b+L

a+b

Local area becomes Depleted in the second phase constituent

Second solid phase forms

Eutectic reaction

Liquid, L a+L

b+L

a+b

The 2 phases grow side-by-side creating a laminated microstructure

Eutectic reaction

Liquid, L a+L

b+L

a+b

Eutectic reaction: Characteristic microstructure: laminates of each of the 2 phases