Structural Changes and Compound Forming Effects in the Molten Sb–Te System Investigated by Molar Volume and Sound Velocity Measurements

Abstract

Molar volume and sound velocity measurements were carried out in the liquid Sb–Te system as a function of temperature and composition. Results obtained have been used to deduce the compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient. Molar volume and adiabatic compressibility show a distinct cusp at the Sb₂Te₃ composition, which suggests the persistence of stable association in the liquid. At low temperatures near the liquidus line, mentioned thermodynamic parameters show behaviour characteristic of structural changes with temperature. Large specific heat anomaly reported previously can be ruled out from the present experiments.