Eutectic Systems
Eutectic systems are mixtures of two or more components that have a specific composition, resulting in a lower melting point than any of the individual components. When cooled, these mixtures solidify at a constant temperature, known as the eutectic point, where the components crystallize simultaneously. This property is useful in various applications, including metallurgy and materials science.
In a eutectic system, the phase diagram illustrates the relationship between temperature and composition, showing how different mixtures behave. The eutectic composition is the optimal ratio of components for achieving the lowest melting point, making these systems important in industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals.