Nucleation of nanosize particles following the spinodal decomposition in the pseudo-ternary Ge0.6Sn0.1Pb0.3Te compound

Demixing following a spinodal decomposition, takes place in Sn-lean compounds in the pseudo-ternary (Ge, Sn, Pb)Te system, giving rise to both Pb- and Ge-rich telluride areas. After quenching from the high-temperature single cubic phase in the course of an aging treatment at 663 K, a Ge0.6Sn0.1Pb0.3Te sample undergoes several microstructural stages. The last stage consists of nucleation and growth of nanosize particles which maintain their dimensional stability for relatively extended periods of time. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.