Phase equilibria and structural chemistry in the ternary systems M–Si–N and M–B–N (M = Al, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Au, Tl, Pb, Bi)

Phase equilibria in the ternary systems M–Si–N and M–B–N (M = Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Al, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, Sb, and Bi) at temperatures 50–100 °C below the melting point of the metal components were investigated by means of x-ray powder analysis and are represented in the form of isothermal sections. No ternary compound formation was observed in any of the combinations M–Si–N and M–B–N. Silicon nitride and boron nitride, respectively, coexist with all metals investigated and with all binary compounds stable at the chosen temperatures. From unit cell dimensions negligible mutual solid solubilities are indicated between Si₃N₄ or BN and the metal components.