Dynamic surface tension measurements of an aluminium–oxygen system

Dynamic surface tension measurements of molten aluminium have been carried out under different monitored oxygen partial pressures in the temperature range 873–1323 K with the aim of experimentally confirming the behaviour of molten metals in the presence of traces of oxygen as predicted by theoretical models [Ratto M, Ricci E, Arato E, Costa P. Metall Mater Trans B 1998;32B:903; Castello P, Ricci E, Passerone A, Costa P. J Mater Sci 1994;29:6104]. The procedures necessary to obtain experimental validation of the theoretical oxidation–deoxidation curve at high temperatures under both low total pressure and atmospheric pressure are presented.