Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 February 2012
Isothermal sections at 1100 and 1500 °C were determined by X-ray powder diffraction method to reveal stable phases and chemical pathways in the Co–Si–C system. There is no ternary compound present in either isothermal. Cobalt silicides are formed in the Co-rich region at temperatures lower than those in the Si-rich region. CoSi2 reacts with carbon to form CoSi and SiC at 1500 °C, and Co2Si and CoSi are more stable in equilibrium with carbon. The results are also discussed in terms of thermodynamics and binding energy of the reacting substances.