Surface tension calculation of the Ni3S2---FeS---Cu2S mattes

The surface tension of the Ni3S2-FeS-Cu2S ternary mattes have been calculated from those of the Ni3S2-FeS·FeS-Cu2S and Cu2S-Ni3S2 pseudo-binary boundary systems by using geometric models (Kohler and Toop model) and a general solution model (Chou model). Taking account of the experimental accuracy of ±2.5%, the respective calculated results are in agreement with the experimental data. At the same time, surface tensions of molten Ni3S2-FeS-Cu2S mattes and their pseudo-binary boundary systems are predicted based on Butlerʹs original treatment with great attention to the model parameter β. The predicted results also agree with the experimental data. Therefore, the resulting iso-surface tension curves in molten Ni3S2-FeS-Cu2S mattes at 1473K, especially calculated by using Kohler, Toop and Chou models, are generally acceptable.