Problems in Imaging the Decomposition of Liquid and Solid Solutions in the Ag–Cu–Ni and Ag–Cu–Pb Systems

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) computer models of Ag–Cu–Ni and Ag–Cu–Pb isobaric phase diagrams, designed based on 23 and 31 base points, respectively, assembled from 14 and 32 surfaces, 9 and 15 phase fields, respectively, and intended to digitize information on these diagrams, are used to verify the adequacy of interpretation of published isothermal and polythermal sections, both calculated and experimentally studied ones. The geometric features of the phase diagram regions that relate to liquid–liquid miscibility gaps and solid solution decomposition are refined in the 3D models. Mistakes arising from an incorrect imaging of the decay of copper–nickel solid solutions and from discrepancies in the values of the Ag–Cu–Pb ternary eutectic temperature are shown on polythermal sections.