Delineation of phase fields at the Te-rich end of the Ru–Te binary system

The tellurium rich side of the ruthenium–tellurium binary system was studied by differential thermal analysis. To avoid reported problems of Te loss by evaporation and reactive interference of Te to the thermocouples of the thermal analyzer, the present study made use of specially designed sealed quartz capsules as DTA containers. The thermal analyses were carried out over the compositional range of 0.66 ⩽ xTe ⩽ 1.00 with the help of SETARAM TG/DTA and other indigenously built thermal analyzers available in this laboratory. The thermal data generated for fifteen different compositions were interpreted for the nature of phase transitions occurring at their characteristic temperatures. The Ru–Te binary system was found to have a eutectic transformation at 444 °C at a composition of xTe = 0.918 and a monotectic transformation at 447 °C at a composition of xTe = 0.700. Up to 6 at.% Ru is soluble in Te at about 440 °C.