Thermal conductivity and interfacial energy of solid Bi solution in the Bi–Al–Zn eutectic system

The equilibrated grain boundary groove shapes for solid Bi solution (Bi–6.1 at.%Zn–0.38 at.%Al) in equilibrium with the Bi–Al–Zn eutectic liquid have been observed from quenched sample with a radial heat flow apparatus. The Gibbs–Thomson coefficient, solid–liquid interfacial energy and grain boundary energy of solid Bi solution have been determined from the observed grain boundary groove shapes. The variations of thermal conductivity with temperature for solid Bi solution (Bi–6.1 at.%Zn–0.38 at.%Al) has been measured up to five degree below the melting temperature by using radial heat flow technique. The ratio of thermal conductivity of equilibrated Bi–Al–Zn eutectic liquid phase to solid Bi solution (Bi–6.1 at.%Zn–0.38 at.%Al) phase has also been measured with a Bridgman type growth apparatus at the melting temperature.