Phase relationships in the {Ho, Er}–Ni–Sn ternary systems at 673 K and crystal structure of new ternary compounds

Abstract The phase equilibria of the Ho–Ni–Sn and Er–Ni–Sn ternary systems were studied at 673 K in the whole concentration range using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X-ray powder diffraction (XPD). Each system is characterized by formation of eight ternary compounds at 673 K: Ho 6 Ni 2 Sn, Er 6 Ni 2 Sn (Ho 6 Ni 2 Ga-type), Ho 2 Ni 2 Sn, Er 2 Ni 2 Sn (Mo 2 FeB 2 -type), HoNi 5 Sn, ErNi 5 Sn (CeCu 4.38 In 1.62 -type), HoNi 1.73 Sn, ErNi 1.72 Sn (YbNi 1.705 Sn-type), HoNiSn, ErNiSn (TiNiSi-type), HoNiSn 2 , ErNiSn 2 (LuNiSn 2 -type), HoNiSn 4 , ErNiSn 4 (LuNiSn 4 -type), and Ho 2 NiSn 6 , Er 2 NiSn 6 (Lu 2 NiSn 6 -type). The interstitial solid solutions HoNi x Sn 2 (up to 7 at.% Ni) and ErNi x Sn 2 (up to 5 at.% Ni) based on the RSn 2 (ZrSi 2 -type) binary compounds were found.