Dependence of volume changes during solid solution formation and of volume size factor on solute volume, group number and crystalline structure

This paper describes the dependence of both volume change during primary solid solution formation and that of volume size factor, Vsf on solute mean atomic volume. Our research findings demonstrate a direct relationship between Vsf or volume change and solute atomic volume. For twenty solvent elements, the average linear correlation coefficient between Vsf and solute atomic volume is 0.659. The average correlation coefficient for volume changes is 0.592. Forty-seven systems solute–solvents with the same crystalline structure indicate that the average linear correlation coefficient between Vsf and solute atomic volume is 0.780. The average correlation coefficient between Vsf and solute atomic volume is 0.907 for solute elements from the same group in the Periodic Table. The average correlation coefficient for volume changes is 0.775. Forty-eight systems were analyzed. For fourteen elements, it was found that elements with the same crystalline structure have an average correlation coefficient between Vsf and solvents atomic volume of 0.934. The relationship between volume changes and solvent atomic volume can be expressed with a quadratic model. Then, volume change during primary solid solution depends upon solute volume, group number and crystalline structure.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Dependence of volume changes during solid solution formation on solute atomic volume. ► Dependence of Volume Size Factor on solute atomic volume in 341 binary systems. ► Direct relationship between volume changes or Vsf and solute atomic volume. ► Effects of group number and crystalline structure are analyzed. ► Embedded-atom method calculations and one experimental measurement to check Vsf.