Solid-Liquid Interfacial Tension in the Systems Al-Sn, Al-In and Al-Sn-In

Interfacial tensions between the three liquid solutions and solid Al have been determined at various compositions and temperatures by the dihedral angles method. Using an equation deduced from a thermodynamic model, the results lead to an indirect determination of the solid/liquid inter face tension of pure Al. The value obtained, 158 erg/sq cm, is much better than that indicated by homogeneous nucleation. The relative importance of temperature and composition in affecting the interfacial tension and also the solidification structures is discussed. It is shown that a correlation can exist between the solid/liquid interfacial tension and the solidification structures for Al-Sn. Studies for the other systems are required. 34 ref.--EPAA/AF.