Experimental investigation and thermodynamic calculation of the Co-Sn-Zn ternary system

Phase equilibria in the Co-Sn-Zn ternary system have been systematically investigated by combining experimental measurements with thermodynamic modelling. The phase relations in the Co-Sn-Zn system at 650, 450 and 250 °C were investigated using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Based on the present experimental results and a comprehensive evaluation of the data reported in the literature, a thermodynamic description of the Co-Sn-Zn system was developed using the CALPHAD technique. A set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters for the Co-Sn-Zn ternary system was obtained with a reasonable agreement between the experimental and calculated results.