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Correlations between surface and interface energies with respect to crystal nucleation
Bernard Vinet1, Lena Magnusson, Hasse Fredriksson
1Département Pour les Technologies des Energies Nouvelles, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Technologique, 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cédex 9, France. vinet@chartreuse.cea.fr
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|December 31, 2002
Summary
This study analyzes liquid undercooling in transition metals, revealing solid-liquid interfacial energy correlates with periodic table position. This finding supports classical nucleation theory for pure elements.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Solid-liquid interfacial energy is crucial for applications but challenging to measure.
- Nucleation experiments are common but require careful data interpretation.
- Understanding interfacial properties informs materials design and processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze liquid undercooling levels in 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metals.
- To critically survey thermophysical data and experimental results for undercooled elements.
- To investigate the relationship between interfacial energy and periodic table trends.
Main Methods:
- Critical survey of existing thermophysical data.
- Analysis of experimental results on liquid undercooling.
- Comparison of solid-liquid (sigma(LS)) and liquid-vapor (sigma(LV)) surface energies.
Main Results:
- Solid-liquid interface energy (sigma(LS)) correlates with an element's position in the periodic table.
- The beta ratio (sigma(LS)/sigma(LV)) effectively classifies elements into distinct groups.
- Observed behaviors align with Turnbull's classical theory, with cobalt as a minor exception.
Conclusions:
- Turnbull's classical theory provides a robust framework for describing crystal nucleation in pure elements.
- The beta ratio is a valuable dimensionless parameter for classifying elemental behavior.
- Interfacial properties are predictable based on elemental position, aiding materials science applications.