Effect of Cu on viscosity of AlCuCe alloys

The viscosity of liquid Al86−xCu10+xCe4 (x=0–3) alloys has been measured by an oscillating crucible method in the temperature range from melting temperature (Tm) up to about 1500 K. Viscosity and activation energy decrease with increasing Cu content in AlCuCe alloys. Activation energy of Al86−xCu10+xCe4 (x=0–3) alloys was estimated to be 1467.1, 1244.8, 1235.2, 1140.6 cal mol−1 for Al86−xCu10+xCe4 (x=0–3) alloys. The temperature dependence of the viscosity is discussed in the framework of free volume model as well as Arrhenius model for viscous flow. Fitted parameters T0 by Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher (VTF) equations are 314.66, 306.9, 290.52, 276.24 for Al86−xCu10+xCe4 (x=0–3) alloys and can be used to determine the glass-forming ability. The free volume changes with temperature in the liquids were calculated.