Thermal conductivity and interfacial energy of solid Bi in the Bi–Ag eutectic system

Abstract

The equilibrated grain boundary groove shapes for solid Bi (Bi–2.87 at.%Ag) in equilibrium with Bi–Ag eutectic 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 Bi have been determined from the observed grain boundary groove shapes. The variation of thermal conductivity with temperature for eutectic solid phase (Bi–4.7 at.%Ag) has been measured. The ratio of thermal conductivity of equilibrated eutectic liquid phase to eutectic solid phase has also been measured with a Bridgman-type growth apparatus at the melting temperature. The Gibbs–Thomson coefficient, solid–liquid interfacial energy and grain boundary energy of solid Bi in equilibrium with Bi–Ag eutectic liquid were determined to be (9.2 ± 0.6) × 10–8 K m, (52.7 ± 6.3) × 10–3 J m–2 and (102.4 ± 13.3) × 10–3 J m–2, respectively, from observed grain boundary groove shapes.