450 °C isothermal section of the Zn-Fe-Nb ternary system at the Zn-rich corner

The 450 °C isothermal section of the Zn-Fe-Nb ternary system with an emphasis on the Zn-rich corner was experimentally determined by means of optical microscopy, SEM-EDS analysis, SEM-WDS analysis and X-ray diffraction. A true ternary phase T with an approximate formula of NbFeZn12 was identified, this phase is in equilibrium with ɛ, μ, NbZn7, NbZn3, δ, ζ and η-Zn phases respectively in the system. The solubility of Nb in ζ, δ and Γ1 phase is limited and that of Zn in ɛ is up to 6.2%.