Interface interaction and wetting in the Y2O3/(Al–Cu–Y) system

Abstract Yttria and yttria-based ceramics are stable materials in contact with metallic melts and may be used as structural materials for crucibles. Wetting phenomena in the metal/ceramic systems could indicate crucible materials performance. In this study, the wetting behavior and metal–oxide interface interactions in the Y 2 O 3 /(Al–Cu–Y) system were investigated at 1423 K. It was established that the amount of the dissolved Y in liquid Al, the amount of the new formed AlYO 3 phase and the depth of the crater at the interface are controlled by the melt composition and could be altered by changing components activity in the Al–Cu–Y liquid solution.