| Abstract: | A study was made of the kinetics of capillary absorption of ethanol in highly porous (70–75%) materials prepared from discrete
fibers of titanium alloy VT6 (specimen dimensions 330×20×(0.4–1.3) mm). The fibers, 3 mm in length and 20–140 μm in diameter,
were obtained by rapid solidification from the melt. Capillary transport against the force of gravity up to the equilibrium
height of capillary rise was investigated in an atmosphere of saturated ethanol vapor. Experimental data on the rate of absorption
were analyzed with reference to the properties of the pore space structure—effective pore size, tortuosity of the pore channels,
and free surface area. The laws of capillary transport of ethanol in porous materials composed of titanium alloy VT6 fibers,
discrete copper fibers, and grade VTEM-2 titanium powder were compared. It was shown that, with regard to the speed of absorption,
the advantage of fiber materials over those made from powder is attributable to the less convoluted pore channels in the former.
Materials Science Institute, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, Kiev. Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, Nos. 1–2, pp.
67–74, January–February. 1997. |
