Reversible resistivity–temperature anomalies of liquid Pb–Bi–Sn alloys

Abstract

The patterns of electrical resistivity of (Pb–Bi56.1)1− x –Sn x alloys, along with liquid Pb–Bi56.1 wt% alloy and pure Pb, Sn and Bi have been investigated as a function of temperature, using the DC four-probe technique. Evident reversible changes are observed on resistivity–temperature curves of different liquid Pb–Bi–Sn alloys, and there are clear turning points both in the heating and cooling process, which are similar to that of liquid Sn. Moreover, the turning temperatures vary with differing compositions of alloys. In the case of the Pb–Bi alloy, however, no reversible changes are observed on resistivity–temperature curves. Since resistivity is one of the physical properties sensitive to structures, it is suggested that there are reversible temperature-induced liquid–liquid transitions in (Pb–Bi56.1)1− x –Sn x alloys, and that Sn plays an important role in the change.