Phase Transformation in Granular Alloys of Cu2S-Ni3S2-Na2S System
The effect of Na2S on the phase composition and microstructure of tempered Cu2S-Ni3S2 alloys was studied by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). It was found that quick crystallization of the sulfide melt leads to separation into two phases - Ni3S2 and a solid solution of Cu2S with Na2Cu4S5, moreover, nickel is concentrated in large particles and copper – in small ones. In contrast to the fine dendrite solidification of granular Cu2S-Ni3S2 alloys, in the ternary system there is a well-defined two-phase microstructure with rounded borders of the interface. Friability and a low microhardness of Cu2S - Na2Cu4S5 solid solution provide an autodecomposition of the sulfides melt by quenching into water (granulation). The degree of separation of copper and nickel depends on the overheating temperature and a quantity of Na2S in melt. The results can be used to hydrometallurgical processing of copper-nickel convert matt.