Calculation of surface tension and surface phase transition line in binary Ga–Tl system

Abstract

The surface phase transition (SPT) line has been calculated at the Ga-rich side of the binary Ga–Tl system. The liquid alloys at a given temperature can be divided into the following four different regions as a function of Tl-content of the alloy: (i) at very low Tl-content one bulk Ga-rich alloy is obtained not covered by any nano-layer, (ii) at a somewhat higher Tl-content one bulk Ga-rich liquid phase is obtained, covered by a Tl-rich nano-layer, (iii) at medium Tl-content two bulk liquids are obtained, (iv) at high Tl-content one Tl-rich liquid is obtained with no nano-layer on it. An improved version of the Ga–Tl phase diagram is offered, showing the equilibrium SPT line and the region of the Ga-rich bulk liquid, covered by a Tl-rich nano-layer. The presence of the latter changes some physical properties of the system. Particularly, the temperature coefficient of the surface tension changes from a low negative value to a high positive value when increasing the Tl-composition of the alloy and the SPT line is crossed. The position of the SPT line is essential to control Marangoni convection in liquid monotectic alloys.