Phase equilibria of the Sn–Sb–Ag ternary system and interfacial reactions at the Sn–Sb/Ag joints at 400 °C and 150 °C

The isothermal sections of the Sn–Sb–Ag ternary system at 400 °C and 150 °C were determined in this study by experimental examination. At both temperatures, the experimental results are as follows: No ternary compounds were found in the Sn–Sb–Ag system. Two extensive regions of mutual solubility were found. The one located between the two binary isomorphous phases, Ag3Sn and Ag3Sb, is labeled ɛ and the other one located between the two binary isomorphous phases, Ag4Sn and Ag4Sb, is labeled ζ. The ɛ phase is a very stable phase and is in equilibrium with the ζ, Sb, SbSn, and Sn phases. Each of the Sb and SbSn phases has a limited solubility of Ag. It was found that the equilibrium phases in the isothermal section of the Sn–Sb–Ag ternary system at 400 °C are very similar to those in the section at 150 °C. Besides equilibria determination, the interfacial reactions between Sn–Sb alloys and an Ag substrate were investigated at the same temperatures, producing phase formation results in the Sn–Sb/Ag couples that are very similar to those in Sn/Ag couples.