The β → α Transition in Rapidly Quenched Sn-Ge Alloys

Abstract

ABSTRACTDilute Sn-Ge alloys were prepared as ribbons by meltspinning using a 4" copper drum. They were then transformed into grey tin at 242 K in the as-cast-condition, and after annealing. It is shown that germanium: (1) when in solid solution impedes β → α transformation; (2) when in solid solution cannot effect nucleation; and (3) has a solubility in α-Sn in excess of 1 wt. % Ge.In addition it is proposed that β → α transformation is restricted because the presence of germanium strengthens the β-Sn matrix.