Segregation of Sn in the binary CuSn and ternary CuSnSb alloy systems

Abstract

Progression studies have been followed from Cu(111)- and Cu(100)Sn binaries to Cu(111)- and Cu(100)SnSb ternary-alloy systems under the same experimental conditions. The segregation behaviour of Sn in the two orientations are explained. It is found that the kinetic segregation profiles of Sn in the ternary alloys shift to lower temperatures as compared to that in the binary. The Sn profile shift is mainly due to the decrease in the activation energy of Sn in the ternary systems. For a particular Cu orientation, the other segregation parameters that the Sn profiles depend on, like the pre-exponential factor, segregation energy and the interaction coefficient, are found to be the same in the two systems. There is also a change in the equilibrium segregation profiles of Sn. In the ternary system, site competition between Sn and Sb causes the Sn to suffer exponential desegregation and eventual displacement from the surface. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.