Phase equilibria in the Sm–Al–Si system at 500 °C

The isothermal section at 500 °C of the Sm-Al-Si system has been experimentally investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. Four intermetallic compounds have been confirmed: τ1-SmAl2Si2 (hP5-CaAl2Si2 type), τ2-SmAl xSi1-x (tI12-Th2Si type), τ4- SmAl0.5Si0.5 (oS8-CrB type) and τ5-Sm 6Al3Si (tI80-Tb6Al3Si type). A new ternary intermediate has been found: τ3-Sm4Al 3Si3 that crystallizes orthorhombic isostructural with Pr4Al3Ge3.