Ternary systems Sr–{Ni,Cu}–Si: Phase equilibria and crystal structure of ternary phases

Phase relations were established in the Sr-poor part of the ternary systems Sr–Ni–Si (900 °C) and Sr–Cu–Si (800 °C) by light optical microscopy, electron probe microanalysis and X-ray diffraction on as cast and annealed alloys. Two new ternary compounds SrNiSi3 (BaNiSn3-type) and SrNi9−xSi4+x (own-type) were found in the Sr–Ni–Si system along with previously reported Sr(NixSi1−x)2 (AlB2-type). The crystal structure of SrNi9−xSi4+x (own-type, x=2.7, a=0.78998(3), c=1.1337(2) nm; space group P4/nbm) was determined from X-ray single crystal counter to be a low symmetry derivative of the cubic, parent NaZn13-type. At higher Si-content X-ray Rietveld refinements reveal the formation of a vacant site (□) corresponding to a formula SrNi5.5Si6.5□1.0. Phase equilibria in the Sr–Cu–Si system are characterized by the compounds SrCu2−xSi2+x (ThCr2Si2-type), Sr(CuxSi1−x)2 (AlB2-type), SrCu9−xSi4+x (0≤x≤1.0; CeNi8.5Si4.5-type) and SrCu13−xSix (4≤x≤1.8; NaZn13-type). The latter two structure types appear within a continuous solid solution. Neither a type-I nor a type-IX clathrate compound was encountered in the Sr–{Cu,Ni}–Si systems.Structural details are furthermore given for about 14 new ternary compounds from related alloy systems with Ba.

Graphical abstractThe crystal structure of SrNi9−xSi4+x (own-type, x=2.7, a=0.78998(3), c=1.1337(2) nm; space group P4/nbm) was determined from X-ray single crystal counter to be a low symmetry derivative of the cubic, parent NaZn13-type and is related to CeNi8.5Si4.5-type.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide