Effect of Ni on Surface Energy and Diffusion Creep of Solid Ag

The effect of nickel on surface energy of the solid/gas interface of silver was studied. The measurements were taken using foils according to the previously developed in situ method in an atmosphere of Ar + 10% H2 at high temperatures. This method simultaneously allows one to determine the surface energy and diffusion creep rate. The solubility of nickel in silver is very low, so the measurements were taken for the alloys in the two-phase region with 0.45 at.% Ni and 1.5 at.% Ni, as well as for pure nickel. Nickel is shown to significantly increase the surface energy of silver and slow down the diffusion creep rate.