System for investigation of interfacial phenomena of liquid metals in the contact with solids [project 052]

Prevac_052_view

System designed for studies of thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transformation:

Investigation of factors affecting stability and reactivity of materials in different environments
Studies of high temperature liquid state phenomena (wettability, spreading, infiltration, interfacial reaction)
Measurements of contact angle, surface tension and density of molten materials at 20-2000°C under vacuum or protective atmosphere using a sessile drop method
Determination of thermal expansion/shrinkage of liquid and semi-liquid materials during heating/cooling

The system is characterised by the following features:

Vacuum chamber for first stage sample preparation by preheating in vacuum up to 200°C in order to remove adsorbed gases
Distribution chamber for sample transfer equipped with dedicated manipulator for samples of different size and various shape
Auger spectroscopy for surface characterisation of examined materials before and after high temperature studies or special treatment
Experimental chamber for high temperature studies of materials in solid, semi-solid or molten states, containing an experimental table with rotation and vertical movement, heater and moveable screens and additional windows for observation and recording
Storage chamber
Residual gas analyser

Classical sessile drop method, improved sessile drop method (dispensed drop, capillary purification technique)
Transferred drop (sandwich method, double plates method)
Pendant drop
Maximum temperature 2000°C
Vacuum up to 10^-7hPa or protective atmosphere
Flowing gas with controlled rate at required level of pressure inside vacuum chamber
Controlled heating of examined paired materials
Independent loading system
Automatic real-time control of chemical composition of atmosphere during tests
Automatic real-time control of temperatureControl of chemical surface of examined samples before, during and after tests