Determination of interfacial energies in the Al-Ag and Sn-Ag alloys by using Bridgman type solidification apparatus

The equilibrated grain boundary groove shapes in the Al-Ag and Sn-Ag eutectic systems for the first time were observed in a linear temperature gradient by using a Bridgman type directional solidification apparatus. Gibbs-Thomson coefficient, solid-liquid interfacial energy and grain boundary energy for solid zeta (Ag-42 at.% Al), solid Al solution (Al-23.8 at.% Ag) and solid Sn were determined from observed grain boundary groove shapes. The results obtained in present work have been compared with the experimental results obtained in previous works for similar solid phases in the binary and ternary alloys. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved