Relation between the Wetting Property and Electrical Conduction of Silver-Gold (Ag-Au) Alloys

Abstract

The wettability of graphite by the silver-gold (Ag-Au) liquid alloy was measured using the sessile drop method at a temperature interval of 1273 – 1473 K. The measured alloys are in the solid solution range. The system is found poorly wetting with the contact angle at an interval of 112…136 degrees. Typical alloying effects are found, as the Ag host metal is gradually replaced by Au alloying element. The results of the contact angle measurements were compared to the change of electrical resistance. The wetting angle measurement is complicated because several environmental variables affect the results. The wetting experiments were performed in a wetting angle measuring system which has changeable atmosphere, so the measurements can be performed in inert atmosphere and has a resistance-heated tube furnace which can ensure the wetting angle measuring temperature up to 1473 K.