Abstract

This communication gives a short overview about the latest research findings in the field of peritectic solidification pattern formation by using transparent organic components as model substances. These materials solidify metal-like and thus enable in-situ observations of the solidification dynamics with a simple transmitted-light microscope. Peritectic solidification pattern are strongly affected by thermo-solutal convection. Hence, experiments were carried out to analyze the effect convection does have on the formation of, in particular, layered peritectic solidification structures. In future, μg experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are foreseen where natural convection is omitted.

Keywords: Layered structures; Organic substances; Peritectic reaction; Convection; Solidification; ISS; Bridgman-furnace; Direct solidification; Organic substances