Influence of Oxygen Partial Pressure on the Wettability of Solid Fe by Liquid Bi

The wettability of solid Fe by liquid Bi has been determined by the sessile drop method at temperatures ranging from 573 to 1183 K. The effect of oxygen pressure on the wettability has been studied and discussed in relation to the surface energies of the solid phase (γs), liquid phase (γ1) and the interfacial energy between the solid and liquid phases (γ1s). From the analysis of the data we have reached the conclusion that oxygen pressure has a significant effect on the wettability in Fe–Bi system. The surface energy of the liquid phase decreases and the work of adhesion between the two phases increases with increasing PO2.