Surface tension calculation of the Sn–Ga–In ternary alloy

Abstract Surface tensions of the Sn–Ga–In ternary alloy are calculated from the surface tensions of the Sn–Ga, Ga–In and In–Sn sub-binary systems by using geometric models (the Kohler model and the Toop model), and a general solution model (the Chou model). The calculated results are in excellent agreement with the experimental data (except for the Kohler model), assuming an experimental accuracy of ±2.5%. At the same time, the surface tensions of the Sn–Ga–In ternary alloy at 773 K and their sub-binary systems are predicted on the basis of Butler’s equation, in combination with thermodynamic data, and different model parameters β equal to the ratio of the coordination number in the surface phase to that in the bulk phase. Different values of β have almost no influence on the surface tensions. The predicted results agree with the experimental data. Therefore, the resulting iso-surface tension curves for the Sn–Ga–In ternary alloy at 773 K, especially those calculated by using the Toop model, are reasonable.