Chemical reactions in the Co-Si-C system

Isothermal sections at 1100 and 1500 degrees C were determined by X-ray powder diffraction method to reveal stable phases and chemical pathways in the Co-Si-C system. There is no ternary compound present in either isothermal. Cobalt silicides are formed in the Co-rich region at temperatures lower than those in the Si-rich region. CoSi2 reacts with carbon to form CoSi and SiC at 1500 degrees C, and Co2Si and CoSi are more stable in equilibrium with carbon. The results are also discussed in terms of thermodynamics and binding energy of the reacting substances. (C) 2008 International Centre for Diffraction Data. [DOI: 10.1154/1.3010325]