On the phase equilibria in the system Ag-Sn-Zn

The phase equillibria in the system Ag-Sn-Zn have been studied using scanni ng electron microscope, X-ray and microharness measurements, differential s canning calorimetry and optical microscopy. 27 alloys have been prepared an d annealed for 3 months at 380 degreesC. All ternary phases are based on th e binary ones. The microhardness values of the gamma phase are the highest in the system Ag-Sn-Zn. The ternary Beta phase (formed on the base of the b inary AgZn beta phase) contains up to approximate to 13 at.% Sn, while the gamma and epsilon phases - up to approximate to 0.2 at.% Sn only. The solub ility of Zn in the Ag-Sn-based intermetallic epsilon (Ag3Sn) and zeta (Ag4S n) phases is also significant. An isothermal section of the phase diagram a t 380 degreesC has been constructed.