Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Preparation of Binary and Ternary Deep Eutectic Systems
Published on: October 31, 2019
Presolidification in Eutectic Droplets
Bene Poelsema1, Zhiguo Zhang1, Harold J W Zandvliet1
1Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Evidence of presolidification, the counterpart to premelting, is reported. Near the eutectic temperature, T_{C}, the propagation direction of thermal gradient driven motion of eutectic Ge-Pt droplets on Ge(110) is determined by presolidification. Well above T_{C}, the micron-sized droplets move towards the hottest location at the substrate, irrespective of crystalline direction. At 90 K above T_{C}, a strong, unanticipated preference for propagation along the substrate [001] azimuth suddenly emerges, which is attributed to presolidification at the liquid-solid interface. The propagation along [001] is accompanied by a distinct change in shape from compact to elongated along [001].
Related Concept Videos
Precipitation Processes
Colloidal precipitates
Washing, Drying, and Ignition of Precipitates
Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria
Colloids
Solution Equilibrium and Saturation

