Interpretation of Phase Diagrams

9.8 Cite the phases that are present and the phase compositions for the following alloys: (a) 90 wt% Zn-10 wt% Cu at 400C (750F) (c) 55 wt% Ag-45 wt% Cu at 900C (1650F) (d) 30 wt% Pb-70 wt% Mg at 425C (795F) Solution This problem asks that we cite the phase or phases present for several alloys at specified temperatures. (a) That portion of the Cu-Zn phase diagram (Figure 9.19) that pertains to this problem is shown below; the point labeled A represents the 90 wt% Zn-10 wt% Cu composition at 400C.

As may be noted, point A lies within the and phase field. A tie line has been constructed at 400C; its intersection with the + phase boundary is at 87 wt% Zn, which corresponds to the composition of the phase. Similarly, the tie-line intersection with the + phase boundary occurs at 97 wt% Zn, which is the composition of the phase. Thus, the phase compositions are as follows: C = 87 wt% Zn-13 wt% Cu C = 97 wt% Zn-3 wt% Cu (c) The Ag-Cu phase diagram (Figure 9.7) is shown below; the point labeled C represents the 55 wt% Ag-45 wt% Cu composition at 900C.

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As may be noted, point C lies within the Liquid phase field. Therefore, only the liquid phase is present; its composition is 55 wt% Ag-45 wt% Cu. (d) The Mg-Pb phase diagram (Figure 9.20) is shown below; the point labeled D represents the 30 wt% Pb-70 wt% Mg composition at 425C.

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As may be noted, point D lies within the phase field. Therefore, only the phase is present; its composition is 30 wt% Pb-70 wt% Mg.

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9.9

Is it possible to have a coppernickel alloy that, at equilibrium, consists of a liquid phase of

composition 20 wt% Ni80 wt% Cu and also an phase of composition 37 wt% Ni63 wt% Cu? If so, what will be the approximate temperature of the alloy? If this is not possible, explain why. Solution It is not possible to have a Cu-Ni alloy, which at equilibrium, consists of a liquid phase of composition 20 wt% Ni-80 wt% Cu and an phase of composition 37 wt% Ni-63 wt% Cu. From Figure 9.3a, a single tie line does not exist within the + L region that intersects the phase boundaries at the given compositions. At 20 wt% Ni, the L-( + L) phase boundary is at about 1200C, whereas at 37 wt% Ni the (L + )- phase boundary is at about 1230C.

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9.14 Determine the relative amounts (in terms of mass fractions) of the phases for the alloys and temperatures given in Problem 9.8. Solution This problem asks that we determine the phase mass fractions for the alloys and temperatures in Problem 9.8. (a) From Problem 9.8a, and phases are present for a 90 wt% Zn-10 wt% Cu alloy at 400C, as represented in the portion of the Cu-Zn phase diagram shown below (at point A).

Furthermore, the compositions of the phases, as determined from the tie line are C = 87 wt% Zn-13 wt% Cu C = 97 wt% Zn-3 wt% Cu Inasmuch as the composition of the alloy C0 = 90 wt% Zn, application of the appropriate lever rule expressions (for compositions in weight percent zinc) leads to
C C0 C C 97 90 = 0.70 97 87

W =

W =

90 87 C 0 C = = 0.30 97 87 C C

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(c) From Problem 9.8c, just the liquid phase is present for a 55 wt% Ag-45 wt% Cu alloy at 900C, as may be noted in the Ag-Cu phase diagram shown below (at point C)i.e., WL = 1.0

(d) From Problem 9.8d, just the phase is present for a 30 wt% Pb-70 wt% Mg alloy at 425C, as may be noted in the Mg-Pb phase diagram shown below (at point D)i.e., W = 1.0

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9.17 A 90 wt% Ag-10 wt% Cu alloy is heated to a temperature within the + liquid phase region. If the composition of the liquid phase is 85 wt% Ag, determine: (a) The temperature of the alloy (b) The composition of the phase (c) The mass fractions of both phases Solution (a) In order to determine the temperature of a 90 wt% Ag-10 wt% Cu alloy for which and liquid phases are present with the liquid phase of composition 85 wt% Ag, we need to construct a tie line across the + L phase region of Figure 9.7 that intersects the liquidus line at 85 wt% Ag; this is possible at about 850C. (b) The composition of the phase at this temperature is determined from the intersection of this same tie line with solidus line, which corresponds to about 95 wt% Ag. (c) The mass fractions of the two phases are determined using the lever rule, Equations 9.1 and 9.2 with C0 = 90 wt% Ag, CL = 85 wt% Ag, and C = 95 wt% Ag, as
W = 90 85 C0 CL = = 0.50 95 85 C C L C C 0 C C L 95 90 = 0.50 95 85

WL =

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9.19 For alloys of two hypothetical metals A and B, there exist an , A-rich phase and a , B-rich phase. From the mass fractions of both phases for two different alloys provided in the table below, (which are at the same temperature), determine the composition of the phase boundary (or solubility limit) for both and phases at this temperature. Alloy Composition 60 wt% A40 wt% B 30 wt% A70 wt% B Fraction Phase 0.57 0.14 Fraction Phase 0.43 0.86

Solution The problem is to solve for compositions at the phase boundaries for both and phases (i.e., C and C). We may set up two independent lever rule expressions, one for each composition, in terms of C and C as follows:
C C 01 C C C C02 C C C 60 C C C 30 C C

W1 = 0.57 =

W 2 = 0.14 =

In these expressions, compositions are given in wt% of A. Solving for C and C from these equations, yield C = 90 (or 90 wt% A-10 wt% B) C = 20.2 (or 20.2 wt% A-79.8 wt% B)

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