Thermal conductivity and interfacial energies of solid Sn 3Sb 2 in the Sn–Sb peritectic system

Abstract

The equilibrated grain boundary groove shapes of solid Sn 3Sb 2 in equilibrium with the Sn–Sb peritectic liquid have been observed from quenched sample with a radial heat flow apparatus. The Gibbs–Thomson coefficient, solid–liquid interfacial energy and grain boundary energy of solid Sn 3Sb 2 have been determined from the observed grain boundary groove shapes. The variation of thermal conductivity with temperature for solid Sn 3Sb 2 and peritectic solid has been measured up to five degree below the meting temperature with a radial heat flow apparatus. The ratio of thermal conductivity of liquid phase to solid phase for Sn–7.8 at.%Sb alloy at the melting temperature has also been measured with a Bridgman type growth apparatus.