Experimental and thermodynamic assessment of the Nd–Zr system

The phase equilibria of the binary Nd–Zr system have been investigated by combining the gas levitation technique with in situ high energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction at elevated temperatures. The Nd–Zr system is of a eutectic type. From the diffraction data the liquidus line was experimentally determined between 1300 and 1800 K. At T=1274±10 K the eutectic reaction L↔ bcc-Nd+bcc-Zr is evident. The eutectic composition x=7±2 at% Zr is determined from the analysis of the microstructure of cast alloys in accordance with the in situ diffraction data. Based on the experimental data the Nd–Zr phase diagram is presented and a self-consistent thermodynamic description is given.