Formation of atomic solution in liquid eutectic alloys

Abstract The influence of Pb, In, Bi and Ge on structure of tin within 0–12.5 at.% concentration range has been studied by means of X-ray diffraction method. Samples were prepared by melting in vacuum furnace filled with pure argon from ingots of Sn(99.999%), Pb(99.99), In(99.999), Bi(99.99), Ge(99.999) and checked by means of X-ray microanalysis The structure factors and pair correlation functions were analyzed. Concentration dependencies of structure parameters for liquid Sn-enriched melts in binaries with eutectic point are described. It is shown that atomic arrangement in tin-based molten alloy deviates from random atomic distribution within concentration range where these alloys can be considered as diluted solutions. Limited solubility in solid state in eutectic Sn-based systems is a precursor to deviation from random atomic distribution in liquid state.