Variation of activation energy in Al–Ni-based alloy melts

Viscosities of Al85Ni15 alloy melt and the Al–Ni-based melts with the addition of Ce, Cu, and Mn have been measured by an oscillating vessel viscometer. Liquidus temperatures of those alloys have been determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A high temperature area (HTA) and a low temperature area (LTA) can be used to describe the viscosity behavior. LTA is in the range of 100°C above liquidus. The activation energy of LTA is much higher than that of HTA. Variation of activation energy with temperature of Al–Ni-based melts was found for the first time. The relationship between the glass formability and viscosity of the alloy melts has been discussed.