Experimental test and simulation of properties from ternary Bi-Ni-Pb system: microstructural, mechanical, electrical properties, Scheil and Lever simulation

Abstract

Due to the wide application of nickel alloys, the ternary Bi-Ni-Pb system was experimentally investigated. The microstructure, Brinell hardness, and electrical conductivity of 15 ternary alloys were examined. The prepared alloys were selected from three vertical sections: Bi-NiPb, Ni-BiPb and Pb-BiNi. The observed microstructures were compared with the calculated isothermal section at 25°C, and good agreement was achieved. Brinell hardness was measured at three different points on each sample, and the mean values were used to predict hardness across the entire composition range. Hardness prediction was performed using a mathematical model developed through ANOVA analysis. Among the investigated ternary alloys, Bi40Ni40Pb20 and Bi5Ni90Pb5 exhibited the highest hardness values. Electrical conductivity was measured at four different points on each sample, and the mean values were used to predict electrical conductivity throughout the composition range. The Bi5Ni90Pb5 alloy showed the highest electrical conductivity among all tested ternary alloys. Furthermore, Scheil and Lever simulations were performed for the Bi5Ni90Pb5 alloy, which exhibited the most favourable combination of mechanical and electrical properties.