Stability of oxide films on liquid metals under vacuum: influence on wetting of metals on ceramic surfaces

摘要

The erosion or thickening of oxide films on molten aluminium under high vacuum are calculated for temperatures 1000-1600 K and for oxide layer thickness from mm to 10nm. Three oxygen flows are taken into account: oxygen flow from the furnace walls, evaporation flow of gaseous species produced by the oxidized metal surface and diffusion flow through the oxide film. Results are used to explain the wetting behaviour of Al drops as a function of temperature, vacuum level and initial treatment of Al surface.