The phenomenon of thermodiffusion in liquid and solid metals in the works of O. M. Skrebtsov

Abstract

The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of a world-renowned scientist, our countryman, Professor Olexandr Mikhailovich Skrebtsov. In addition to research on the use of radioactive isotopes in metallurgy and the development of the theory of the liquid state of metal melts, he paid considerable attention to the phenomenon of thermodiffusion in liquid and solid metals. This paper is devoted to the analysis of this part of the scientific heritage of O. M. Skrebtsov. The movement of atoms under the action of a temperature gradient (thermodiffusion) occurs during various natural phenomena and in many technological processes. However, when studying the driving forces and mechanisms of thermodiffusion, as a rule, the academic approach prevailed. This allowed the theory of thermodiffusion to be well enough developed concerning gases, salt solutions, and solid metals. This article is focused on the analysis of research aimed at the possibility of practical use of this phenomenon to improve the service life of parts operating under conditions of a temperature gradient and optimize processes occurring with a temperature gradient. Such processes occur in metallurgical units, accompanying bimetallic casting, welding, surfacing, etc. Based on the analysis of the experimental data available in the literature, a relationship between the heat of thermodiffusion and the ratio of the atomic radii of the diffusing elements, Rd, and the base metal, Rb, was found. The fundamental possibility of using thermodiffusion for controlling the desulfurization processes in liquid cast iron and creating protective coatings on gray cast iron parts during their operation at high temperatures was also shown