Low-temperature resistivity of two-phase Al–Al3Ni alloys

Abstract

The electrical resistivity of Al–Ni alloys in the composition range 2–28 wt% Ni was investigated. The eddy-current decay method was used and the measurements were made at three temperatures: 297, 77, and 4.2 K. The results are explained in term of a series and parallel resistor model which takes into account the existence of different regions in the alloy (i.e., the continuous eutectic mixture, and the dispersed proeutectic constituents). This model permitted the resistivity curve to be fitted at the three temperatures and resistivity value for Al3Ni to be computed. The sharp maximum of resistivity at the eutectic composition, appearing at low temperature, has been attributed to the scattering of electrons on precipitate boundaries and to peculiar morphological features.