CONTINUOUS SERIES OF METASTABLE HEXAGONAL CLOSE-PACKED SOLID SOLUTIONS IN THE ERBIUM-ZIRCONIUM SYSTEM

Abstract

The complete mutual solid solubility of hexagonal close‐packed forms of erbium and zirconium has been observed by x‐ray diffraction for specimens rapidly quenched from the liquid state to room temperature. The lattice parameter measurements show negative deviations from the linearity as expressed by Vegard's law, with maximum deviations ΔV/V of ≲ 2% at approximately 41 at. % Zr and 2.3% at 70 at. % Zr. The axial ratio c/a remains as a linear relationship between those of two elements. The formation of the metastable solid solutions can be explained by classical rules.