The Complex Structure of the Copper–Tin Intermetallic Compounds

Abstract

THE equilibrium diagram of the copper–tin system is one that shows a bewildering complexity of phases. The great majority of these exist only at high temperatures or form solid solutions of variable composition, but there exist at ordinary temperatures three phases which show a very limited range of composition. These have been usually considered by metallurgists, following the classical work of Heycock and Neville, as the intermetallic compounds: δ bronze Cu₄Sn; η bronze Cu₃Sn; and & bronze CuSn.