Cluster–cluster structure transition in Cu–Ge melts

Abstract

The structure of Cu _x Ge_{1− x} (x = 0.5; 0.54; 0.57; 0.6; 0.62; 0.635; 0.65; 0.67; 0.70; 0.73; 0.767) molten alloys has been studied by means of the X-ray diffraction method. Structure factors and pair correlation functions have been analysed at three temperatures (T _L + 5 K; T _L +50 K; T _L + 100 K). The melts are shown to reveal the transition of structure based on Ge-clusters into one based on Cu₃Ge intermetallic, when Cu content increases. This transition occurs in the concentration region around the eutectic point.

Keywords:

• liquid metals and alloys
• short range order
• cluster
• eutectic melts