Measuring neutron scattering structure factor for liquid alumina and analysing the radial distribution function by empirical potential structural refinement

Abstract The neutron scattering structure factor S ( Q ) for liquid alumina has been measured using a specially designed laser-heated aerodynamic levitation furnace. Employing the empirical potential structural refinement (EPSR) method, a model of liquid alumina has been generated where S ( Q ) is consistent with that determined by neutron scattering. We find few of the atomic configurations of α-Al 2 O 3 in liquid alumina, and neither do we find that the structure is tetrahedral like silica. Although more complex than simple oxides, the structure of liquid alumina, deduced from neutron scattering, contains significant intermediate range order, pointing to considerable connectivity in this high temperature liquid.