Influence of alloying elements on wettability and adhesion energy in liquid metal-ceramic systems

Pure non-reactive metals do not wet refractory oxides such as alumina. The simplest way to enhance wettability in these systems is via the composition of the metallic phase. The effect of non-reactive alloying elements on wettability is discussed using a three-parameter statistical thermodynamic model and illustrated by results obtained by the sessile drop method. The influence of a reactive solute is then studied considering the changes in physicochemical properties of metal-oxide interfaces induced by reaction between the solute and the oxide.