Peculiarity of component interaction in Er–Fe–Sn ternary system at 670 K and 770 K

The isothermal sections of the phase diagram of Er–Fe–Sn ternary system were constructed at 770 and 670 K in the whole concentration range using X-ray and metallographic analyses. Component interaction in the Er–Fe–Sn system at 670 K results the existence of two ternary compounds, ErFe6Sn6 (YCo6Ge6-type) and Er5Fe6Sn18 (Tb5Rh6Sn18-type), while at 770 K only one intermediate ErFe6Sn6 phase was observed. The existence of the interstitial solid solution ErFexSn2 (up to 5 at.% Sn) was found at both temperatures.

Research highlights▶ The interstitial solid solution ErFexSn2 was observed in Er–Fe–Sn system at 670 K and 770 K. ▶ The Er–Fe–Sn system at 670 K is characterized by formation of ErFe6Sn6 and Er5Fe6Sn18 stannides. ▶ Ternary compounds are characterized by the vacancies in crystal structure.