In-situ observation of the dynamic of peritectic coupled growth using the binary organic system TRIS-NPG

Abstract

This paper shows the evolution from banded structure to peritectic coupled growth and describes the mechanism which leads to such microstructure formation. Experimental investigations on binary organic TRIS-NPG (Trishydroxymethyl-aminomethane, Neopen- tylglycol) alloys at concentrations in the peritectic region were carried out in order to study the formation of peritectic microstructures. The experiments were done vertically with relatively large rectangle glass tubes so that slow natural convection occurred. Each time a sample was hold unmoved in the vertical micro Bridgman-furnace for 2 hour to establish a constant temperature gradient. Afterwards, the samples were moved at several pulling rates through the furnace and a camera recorded the dynamic of the solid/liquid interface. The in-situ observations show layered structures for concentrations within the hyper-peritectic region. Carefully evaluations of the results exhibit, that (i) the solid/liquid interface is curved in observation direction toward the glass walls, (ii) the initial existing peritectic phase grows at micrometer-sized liquid channels inside the primary phase toward to the solid/liquid/glass wall junction, (iii) afterwards the peritectic phase spreads along the liquid-primary phase boundary and forms a so-called band, then (iv) the primary phase gets largely overgrown and unstable peritectic coupled growth (PCG) forms; (v) this PCG is inherent unstable and disappears and occurs in several cycles; until (vi) finally stable growth of the primary phase prevails.