Learning objectives

The objectives of this chapter are to

● Identify the types of alloys.

• Know the types of solid solutions.

● Identify the equilibrium diagrams types.

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 Phase equilibrium
4-6 Phase equilibrium (A phase diagram):
A phase diagram shows the phases and their compositions at any combination of temperature and alloy
composition i.e. it is the relationship between the composition, temperature, and structure, or state, of
any alloy in a series.
Now, there are three externally controllable parameters that will affect phase structure temperature,
pressure (1 atmosphere is almost always used ), and composition
—and phase diagrams are constructed when various combinations of these parameters are plotted
against one another.
Much useful information can be obtained from these diagrams:
For example, an elementary knowledge of the appropriate equilibrium diagram enables us to decide
upon a suitable heat-treatment process to produce the required properties in a carbon-steel (Fe-C).

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 4-6-1- Types of phase equilibrium diagrams

1-Binary phase diagrams [Si-Al, Fe-C, Pb-Sn, Cu –Ni, Cu- Zn, and Fe-Ni].
2-Ternary phase diagrams [Fe-C-Ni].

1- Types of binary phase diagrams.

A- Mechanical mixture phase diagrams:
Condition: The two metals are completely insoluble in each other in the solid
state and liquid state, for example [Fe +Pb].

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-How are obtained the equilibrium phase diagrams?

1-By studying the cooling curves.

2- The studying by x-ray.

In general, the equilibrium phase diagrams are obtained by drawing the relationship between the

composition (C%)and temperature (TCᵒ) as shown in the figure below.

1-By studying the cooling curves for pure metals for example [ Fe+Pb].

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-How are obtained the equilibrium phase diagrams?

1-By studying the cooling curves.

2- The studying by x-ray. m.p= melting point

At room temperature
In general, the equilibrium phase diagrams are

obtained by drawing the relationship between the

composition (C%)and temperature (TCᵒ) as shown in

the next figure.

1-By studying the cooling curves for pure metals for

example [ Fe+Pb].

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By the information obtained can now be plotted on to a composition of the alloy.
The line ABC (called the liquidus) joins all points (L) at which solidification of the various alloys
begins; whilst the line ADC (called the solidus) joins all points (S).
At which solidification of the alloys has finished. What we have plotted is only part of the Pb and
Fe thermal equilibrium diagram as shown in the figure below.

This diagram consists of:

1- line ABC (called the liquidus) joins all points
2- line ADC (called the solidus) joins all points (S)
3-(6) phases, for example [Fe+Pb, Cu+Mo, Zn+Pb, Al+Pb, and
Cu+Pb].

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B-Solid solution phases diagram
Condition: An alloy system in which the two metals are soluble in each other in all
proportions in both liquid and solid states.

In this case the physical law, the metal has a low melting point will reduce the melting
point of metal that has a high melting point and the metal have a high melting point
will raise the melting point of metal that has a low melting point.
By studying the cooling curves for pure metals for example [ Cu +Ni] we will obtain the
diagram below.

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Figure 3-9. The copper-nickel phase diagram. 12
The equilibrium diagram consists of only two lines.
• The upper, or liquidus, above which any point represents in composition and temperature an
alloy in the completely molten state.
• The lower, or solidus, below which any point represents in composition and temperature an
alloy in the completely solid state.
An example of this type of system is afforded by the nickel-copper alloy series.
Atoms of nickel and copper are approximately the same size and, since both metals crystallize
in similar face-centered cubic patterns.

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Figure 3.10 The nickel-copper thermal equilibrium diagram. The solidification of
an alloy under conditions of equilibrium (slow cooling) is illustrated.
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❖ The liquid (L) is a homogeneous liquid solution composed of both copper and nickel.

❖ The (α) phase is a substitutional solid solution consisting of both Cu and Ni atoms, and having an

FCC crystal structure.

❖ At temperatures below about 1080 Cs, copper and nickel are mutually soluble in each other in the

solid state for all compositions.

❖ This complete solubility is explained by the fact that both Cu and Ni have the same crystal structure

(FCC), nearly identical atomic radii and electronegativities and similar valences.

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