Densities of liquid Re, Os, and Ir, and their temperature dependence measured by an electrostatic levitator

Densities in the liquid phase for molten refractory metals (Re, Os, and Ir) whose values are over 18,000 kg/m3 have been re-measured using an electrostatic levitator. The sample position control of electrostatically levitated sample was revised to suppress sample oscillations and to reduce measurement errors on the volume calculation by image analysis. Therefore, the measured density data showed a clearer temperature dependence compared to our previous measurements. The measured density of Re, Os, and Ir can be respectively expressed as ρRe(T) = 18.9 × 103–0.62 × (T-Tm) kg/m3, ρOs(T) = 19.4 × 103–0.92 × (T-Tm)kg/m3, and ρIr(T) = 19.6–0.83 × (T-Tm) kg/m3, where Tm is the melting temperature of each metal. •Densities of liquid Re, Os, and Ir were re-measured by an electrostatic levitator.•New experimental set up suppressed sample surface oscillation to reduce error.•Obtained density data showed clearer linear temperature dependence over wide temperature range.