Electrical resistivity of solutions of germanium, tin and lead in liquid sodium

Abstract

The electrical resistivity of solutions of germanium (up to 1.0 atom %), tin (up to 6.9 atom %) and lead (up to 7.8 atom %) in liquid sodium have been measured over the temperature ranges 200–450, 200–400 and 100–300°C respectively. A capillary technique was used which involved circulation of the liquid metal through the capillary by use of an electromagnetic pump. For tin and lead, a plot of resistivity (ρ) against concentration (c) is nearly linear with an increasingly positive d_ρ/dc. For germanium, d_ρ/dc, although positive, decreases slightly. All three solutes, especially tin, increase the resistance of sodium by a relatively large amount. The resistivity of the solutions increases with increasing temperature much as does that of pure sodium. Dilute solutions containing both germanium and tin in liquid sodium show additive behaviour compatible with lack of association between the two solutes.