The liquid-liquid structure change in eutectic Ga-Sn alloy

Abstract

• The liquid-liquid structure transition did occur around the liquidus temperature. • Another liquid-liquid structure transition did occur in the range from 1073-1273 K. • Below and above the liquidus temperature, the liquid exhibits differences in viscosity, coordination numbers, correlation radius of cluster. The effect of temperature on dynamic viscosity and atomistic structure in liquid eutectic Ga-Sn alloy have been investigated by using a torsional oscillating viscometer, an X-ray diffractometer and the ab initio molecular dynamics simulation. The results indicated that the liquid-liquid structure transitions did occur around the liquidus temperature and in the range from 1073-1273 K. Below and above these temperatures the liquid exhibits differences in viscosity, coordination numbers, correlation radius of cluster, which are reflected from structural changes of structural disorder and local atomic packing. This work will trigger a further study on the liquid-to-liquid crossover in the liquid-solid transition.