Surface Tension Isotherms of a Free Surface and Grain Boundaries in the Cu-Sn System

Surface tension of pure copper and its alloys with Sn has been measured at 1000°C in a hydrogen atmosphere. Surface tension of a free surface equaled 1.81 N/m for pure copper, and 1.55, 1.38, and 1.28 N/m for the alloys with 0.05, 0.22, and 0.33 at % Sn, respectively; surface tension at grain boundaries equaled 0.5 N/m for pure copper, and 0.36, 0.3, and 0.23 N/m for the alloys, respectively. Based on these data, the concentration dependence of tin absorption at a free surface and grain boundaries has been calculated. Parameters of Sn absorption at grain boundaries and a free surface of copper have been compared with those of Sb and Bi.