Abstract
The methods for determining the solid/liquid interfacial tension in pure metals and alloys are described and a compilation of experimental results is presented. Information is also given on chemical adsorption and on atomic structure of interfaces, as derived from the compositional and orientation dependence of the interfacial tension. Theoretical models for calculating the thermodynamic properties of interfaces are discussed. The influence of solid/liquid interfaces on the properties of metals and alloys is illustrated with typical examples.