Solubility study of the copper-lead system

In this study isothermal equilibration experiments were done at 866-1166 K for the copper lead (Cu-Pb) binary system. The experiments, conducted in a quartz ampoule, enabled the solubility limits at each end of the phase diagram to be obtained. In addition to the experiments, a literature survey and compilation of the experimental data of the solid solubilities was done. Critically evaluated and selected literature data and our own experimental values were used to optimise the fcc phase interaction parameters. According to the experiments the lead solubility in solid copper at the copper-rich end is smaller than previously reported. The liquidus curve at the lead-rich end was validated with our own experimental results, which agree well with previous experimental data. The thermodynamic assessment of the Cu-Pb system, in the area of fcc_Al solid solutions, has been improved.