Experimental investigation and thermodynamic modeling of the Cu-Si-Zn system with the refined description for the Cu-Zn system

► The Cu-Zn system was remodeled using the CALPHAD method with a new model Zn4(Cu,Zn)1(Cu,Zn)8 for the γ phase. ► The isothermal section of the Cu-Si-Zn system at 600 °C was experimentally determined using 15 alloys. ► The present experimental observations resolved the controversy about the three-phase equilibria at 600 °C in the Cu-rich corner. ► A thermodynamic modeling of the Cu-Si-Zn system over the entire composition range was conducted. ► The phase equilibria in the temperature range from 482 to 847 °C are reasonably reproduced with the present calculations.