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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Materials and Nanochemistry forum => Topic started by: Woopy on October 13, 2013, 01:35:52 AM

Title: Eutectic Composition
Post by: Woopy on October 13, 2013, 01:35:52 AM

Hello,

I am curious as to how the eutectic composition works and how it is that you can combine two materials in a solid, and as the % of the higher melting point materials increases, there is actually a point, known as the Eutectic point, where the melting point is lower than either of the two materials separately.

Essentially what I am asking is how eutectic behavior comes about

Any clarification would be appreciated.

Thanks

Title: Re: Eutectic Composition
Post by: curiouscat on October 13, 2013, 02:42:18 AM

Do you understand azeotropes? That might be easier to understand.

Title: Re: Eutectic Composition
Post by: Woopy on October 13, 2013, 02:44:40 AM

I've heard the term, but don't understand the meaning other than I know it happens during distillation

Title: Re: Eutectic Composition
Post by: curiouscat on October 13, 2013, 02:46:25 AM

Quote from: Woopy on October 13, 2013, 02:44:40 AM

I've heard the term, but don't understand the meaning other than I know it happens during distillation

What eutectics are to solids azeotropes are to liquids. Start there might be easier.

Just google it. Then you can ask what you didn't understand.

Title: Re: Eutectic Composition
Post by: Borek on October 13, 2013, 03:07:37 AM

It is all about interactions between molecules of both substances involved, say A & B. You have A/A interactions, B/B interactions and A/B interactions. Relative strength of these interactions is what regulates the mixture behavior.