Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
The influence of surface segregation on wetting of Pd2As and Pd50B25As25 to refractory metals has been studied by sessile drop and surface analytical techniques. The results indicate that the wetting behavior of Pd2As to W is strongly influenced by surface segregation of low-level bulk impurities in the alloy. At melting, the segregating impurities form an inert shell about the liquid alloy which inhibits reaction between alloy and substrate. A poorly-wetted droplet with a large contact angle results. Wetting is elicited by fracture of the high-surface tension shell during heat treatment. The efflux of pure alloy material from the interior of the droplet wets refractory metals with a contact angle of near-zero. The shell remnant floats atop the wetted alloy. Addition of B to the alloy to form Pd50B25As25 results in rapid attack of a Re support. Preliminary studies of the vapor pressure above the alloy and mass analysis of field evaporated ions show that Pd2As may be used as a liquid metal ion source of As. This is possible by means of successful reduction in As vapor pressure by over 10 orders of magnitude.