Temperature-induced liquid–liquid transition process in eutectic Pb–Sn melt explored from kinetic viewpoint

Abstract

Up to now, there have been few studies of the temperature-induced liquid–liquid structure transition (LLST) kinetics for atomic systems. In this paper, through isothermal and heating experiments, we have investigated the kinetics of the LLST process in Pb–Sn61.9 wt% melt by measuring the electrical resistivity and heat flux. The time evolution of the heat flux and electrical resistivity can be described by the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami model with an Avrami exponent of 3.87, which is an indication of nucleation-growth-type ordering of the nonconserved order parameter. What is more, we have calculated the reaction rate constant KT and apparent activation energy ΔE, and deduced the reason for the characteristics of temperature-induced LLST. The result of this research could be beneficial for a further understanding of the essence of LLST.