Experimental determination of interfacial energy for solid Sn in the Sn–Ag alloy by using radial heat flow type solidification apparatus

The equilibrated grain boundary groove shapes for solid Sn in equilibrium with the (Sn—3.84 at.% Ag) eutectic liquid were observed from a quenched sample at the eutectic temperature for about 18 days with a radial heat flow apparatus. This is the first time that the equilibrated grain boundary groove shapes of solid Sn in equilibrium with the (Sn—3.84 at.% Ag) eutectic liquid have been observed using radial heat flow apparatus. From the observed grain boundary groove shapes, the Gibbs–Thomson coefficient, the solid–liquid interfacial energy and grain boundary energy for solid Sn in equilibrium with the (Sn—3.84 at.% Ag) eutectic liquid were determined to be (8.54 ± 0.42) × 10−8 Km, (113.32 ± 11.33) mJ/m2 and (216.11 ± 23.77) mJ/m2, respectively.