Solid Solution

Including: Solid Solubility, Solid Solutions, Zero Solid Solubility

A solid solution is a single crystalline phase consisting of two (or more) components. So, solid solutions are similar to liquid solutions (such as sugar in water), they consist of a main component and (normally) a small amount of another component which can exist within the crystal structure of the main component, i.e. it is dissolved into it. Solid solutions can be used to increase an alloy's strength - this is called solid solution strengthening

If a phase diagram does not display a solid solution for one or more of its elements, it has zero solid solubility - for example the beta phase in the Al-Si phase diagram does not exist, so Aluminium has zero solid solubility in silicon.

Associated terms: Phase, Solid Solution Strengthening