Controlling droplet distribution using thermoelectric magnetic forces during bulk solidification processing of a Zn-6 wt.%Bi immiscible alloy

Bulk solidification of a Zn-6 wt.%Bi immiscible alloy was investigated under a weak transverse magnetic field. The results show that the thermoelectric magnetic flow induced by the thermoelectric magnetic force is present during the solidification process. An equation was established to describe the movement of Bi-rich droplets in the melt. Thermoelectric magnetic force affected the mass transfer and changed the segregation behavior of the Bi-rich phase. Thermoelectric magnetic flow affected the Stokes sedimentation of the Bi-rich droplets and modified the spatial and size distribution of the Bi-rich particles. This technique can be used to control the distribution of the immiscible phases in other similar alloys.