Phase diagram studies on Er2PdSi3 and ErPd2Si2 intermetallic compounds

Ternary Er-Pd-Si phase diagram sections have been revealed by differential thermal analysis, microstructure investigations of as-cast and annealed samples, and crystal growth experiments. Single crystals were grown by a floating zone method with optical heating. The Er2PdSi3 and ErPd2Si2 compounds melt congruently at 1648 °C and 1420 °C, respectively. For Er-rich alloys the Er2PdSi3 + ErSi eutectic is formed at 1570 °C on the 50 at.% Si isopleths. The melting point maximum of Er2PdSi3 is on the Pd-depleted side. The crystal is Pd-depleted and Si-rich with respect to its nominal stoichiometry. Different from Er2PdSi3 the ErPd2Si2 compound at 1125 °C exhibits a wide homogeneity range Er20Pd40−δSi40+δ (0 < δ ≤ 6 at.%) along the 20 at.% Er isopleths.