Experimental investigation and thermodynamic assessment of the Mn-Zr system

The Mn-Zr binary system has been investigated via experimental measurements and thermodynamic calculations. In order to investigate phase equilibria in the Mn-Zr system, five alloys were prepared by arc melting under vacuum. All alloys were examined by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis after annealing at 650 degrees C for 70 days or 950 degrees C for 30 days. The homogeneity range of ZrMn2 was determined to be from 25.0 to 33.2 at.% Zr at 950 degrees C and from 26.7 to 34.3 at.% Zr at 650 degrees C. The solubility of Mn in (alpha Zr) was 1.6 at.% Mn, while that of Zr in (alpha Mn) was 0.2 at.% Zr at 650 degrees C. The invariant reaction temperatures of liquid -> ZrMn2 + (beta Zr) and (beta Zr) -> ZrMn2 + (alpha Zr) were determined to be 1131 and 785 degrees C, respectively. A thermodynamic assessment of the Mn-Zr system was conducted by taking into account the present experimental results and reliable literature data. The calculated results using the presently obtained parameters can well reproduce the experimental data.

Automated summary

The Mn-Zr binary system was studied through experimental measurements and thermodynamic calculations, revealing the homogeneity range of ZrMn2 and the solubility of different phases. The invariant reaction temperatures of liquid -> ZrMn2 + (beta Zr) and (beta Zr) -> ZrMn2 + (alpha Zr) were determined. The thermodynamic assessment conducted in this study showed that the calculated results align well with experimental data.