Gravity-induced sedimentation during melting and liquid phase sintering of Pb-Sn alloys

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-22-2003

Abstract

Gravity-induced phase separation during melting of Pb-Sn alloys results in a macroscopic concentration gradient that must be eliminated before phase equilibrium is established. When Pb-Sn alloys are heat treated in solid-plus-liquid regions (akin to liquid phase sintering), recession of the mushy (solid-plus-liquid) region accompanies elimination of the concentration gradient. Sedimentation apparently ceases as phase equilibrium is approached. Some solid-plus-liquid alloys do not sediment. These have a solid volume fraction sufficient to sterically hinder the gravity-induced phase separation. This critical volume fraction is about 0.50 for hypoeutectic (Pb-rich) alloys and about 0.75 for hypereutectic (Sn-rich) alloys. © 2002 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication Title

Acta Materialia

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