Experimental and theoretical study of the phase relations in the zinc-rich corner of the Zn–Fe–Cr system at 450°C

Abstract

Abstract By means of scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, the phase relations in the zinc-rich corner of the Zn – Fe – Cr ternary system at 450°C were determined using heat-treated alloys. The experimental results indicate that a ternary phase named ζ′ is in equilibrium with liquid, ζ-FeZn13 and θ-CrZn17. The solubilities of Cr in the ζ phase and Fe in the θ phase are limited, being 0.6 wt.% and 0.7 wt.%, respectively. Meanwhile, based on the interatomic potentials obtained using the lattice inversion method, atomistic calculation was carried out to determine the site preference and solubilities of Cr in the ζ phase. Good agreement between the experimental results and theoretical calculations was achieved.