Abstract
By using an oxygen ionic conductivity of stabilized zirconia, the effect of applied DC voltage on the wettability of zirconia by liquid copper was investigated. It has been clarified that the wettability of zirconia by liquid copper was improved by migration of oxygen forced by applying a DC voltage between liquid copper and zirconia. Main results are as follows:
(1) Application of a DC voltage to eliminate oxygen from the copper-zirconia interface can deoxidize zirconia to zirconium at the copper-zirconia interface. This is the chief mechanism of the decrease of the contact angle between liquid copper and zirconia.
(2) Application of a DC voltage to migrate oxygen to the copper-zirconia interface can oxidize copper at the copper-zirconia interface and the reaction between copper oxide and zirconia may occur. This is the chief mechanism of the decrease of the contact angle between liquid copper and zirconia.
