Mathematical Simulation of the Wettability of Al2O3 Substrate through Different Aluminum Alloys

Abstract

The wetting process of a ceramic substrate (Al2O3) with and without carbon coating by means of aluminum-based alloys has been investigated. A mathematical simulation that predicts wettability in the systems under study is proposed, taking into account the diffusional effects of the used constituents. The prediction of the mathematical simulation is compared with the experimental results obtained for the same systems in question. From the results obtained, it was found that the wettability of a liquid droplet of aluminum and aluminum alloys on an alumina (Al2O3) substrate with and without carbon coating can be well represented by the proposed mathematical diffusion simulation. On the other hand, the control mechanism of the contact angle in relation to the deposition of a thin layer of carbon on the ceramic substrate (Al2O3) and the presence of metals such as La and Y in the aluminum alloy, give way to the formation of Al4C3, La2O3 and Y2O3 and these types of reaction help in the decrease of the contact angle.