Phase equilibria in the Ag4SSe–As2Se3 system

The phase diagram of the system Ag4SSe–As2Se3 is studied by means of X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analyses and measurements of the microhardness and the density of the materials. The unit-cell parameters of the intermediate phases 3Ag4SSe·As2Se3 (phase A) and Ag4SSe·2As2Se3 (phase B) are determined as follows for phase A: a=4.495 Å, b=3.990 Å, c=4.042 Å, α=89.05°, β=108.98°, γ=92.93°; for phase B: a=4.463 Å, b=4.136 Å, c=3.752 Å, α=118.60°, β=104.46°, γ=83.14°. The phase 3Ag4SSe·As2Se3 and Ag4SSe·2As2Se3 have a polymorphic transition α↔β consequently at 105 and 120°C. The phase A melts incongruently at 390°C and phase B congruently at the same temperature.