Surface tension (γLV), surface energy (γSV) and crystal-melt interfacial energy (γSL) of metals

The results of temperature-dependent surface tension calculations of pure liquids aluminium (933–1200 K) and iron (1811–2500 K), in the framework of the theoretical considerations suggested by Eyring, are presented. It is observed that the surface tension decreases linearly with temperature. The calculated surface tension data are fitted as γ = 985–0.275(T − Tm) and γ = 1560–0.387(T − Tm) for Al and Fe, respectively. Moreover, the surface tension (γLV) at melting point, surface energy (γSV) and crystal-melt interfacial energy (γSL) are calculated for many metals. The agreement between the calculated and the reported measured values is reasonable.

► A model for calculating interfacial energies of metals is described.
► Calculated values are comparable to existing data.
► Surface tension of Al and Fe decreases with temperature.
► The theoretical results are reproducible.