Phase diagrams of the 14th group elements

The intermetallic reactivity of Si and Sn and the stability of their compounds are also indicated by the trends of the melting points of their alloys. A selection of these data has been collected in Table 5.71. 

During an investigation of the properties of low melting metals, a specific aspect of the alloying behaviour of Sn and Pb has been studied by Guminski (1989,1990), 

H Compound-forming element D Phase diagram known no intermediate phases formed No information available B Questionable compound-forming capability 

Examples of elements exhibiting low or very low solubility (at 600°C) in liquid Sn or Pb are for instance Cr, Nb, Mo, W (with deep minima for Nb, Mo, W). High solubility is shown by Zn, Cd, In, Hg, Tl, Sn, Pb, Bi. Several Sn or Pb systems with these metals give low melting eutectics and form continuous liquid solutions stable at moderate temperatures. 

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