A general method for determining solid-liquid interfacial free energies

Abstract

A general technique for the measurement of the solid-liquid interfacial free energy, γ_SL is proposed, based on a theoretical analysis of the equilibrium shape of a grain boundary groove in an applied temperature gradient. The analysis extends the work of Bolling and Tiller to account for unequal thermal conductivities in the solid and liquid phases. This extension resolves a fundamental experimental difficulty which would arise in any application of the Bolling and Tiller analysis to γ_SL measurements. An illustrative application of the new method is given, which yields a reasonable value for γ_SL for lead when compared with Stowell's recent measurements using homogeneous nucleation experiments.