The Nd-Cu-Sn isothermal section at 400 degrees C has been investigated by m
eans of X-ray diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopy and ele
ctron probe microanalysis. The following compounds have been identified or
confirmed: NdCu5Sn, Nd7Cu35Sn11, NdCu9Sn4, NdCuSn, Nd3Cu4Sn4, NdCu2Sn2, Nd2
Cu3Sn6 and NdCu1-gammaSn2, and their crystal structure have been determined
or revised. Single crystal structure determination of the phases Nd7Cu35Sn
11 and Nd3Cu4Sn4 and full profile powder refinement of the compound Nd2Cu3S
n6, previously suggested as Nd2Cu4Sn5, are also given. The subdivision of t
he composition triangle in tie triangles has been nearly completed. Of the
predicted 36 three-phase equilibria, thirty have been defined. The general
characteristics of the section have been discussed in comparison with those
of other R-Cu-Sn systems formed by light rare earths (R = Ce, Pr). (C) 199
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