Phase equilibria in the Tl2Te–Tl5Te3–Tl9TbTe6 system

Abstract

The Tl₂Te–Tl₅Te₃–Tl₉TbTe₆ system has been studied using differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and microhardness measurements. We have mapped out a number of vertical sections, the 680 K isothermal section of its phase diagram, and projections of its polythermal projections of its liquidus and solidus surfaces. The field of solid solutions with the Tl₅Te₃ structure (δ-phase) has been shown to account for more than 90% of the area of the composition triangle. Tl₂Te-based solid solutions (α-phase) exist in a narrow composition region.