In situ electrical resistivity and viscosity measurements of iron alloys under pressure using synchrotron X-ray radiography

Abstract

ABSTRACT We have developed a new type of experimental setup utilizing a multi-anvil large volume press and designed for simultaneous measurements of structure-sensitive thermophysical properties (diffraction, electrical resistivity, viscosity). This multi-probe capability was tested on iron alloys at 2 GPa and up to 1750 K. Phase transitions as detected by X-ray diffraction patterns are clearly associated with changes in the electrical response of the samples. In Fe-S liquids, viscosity measurements in the molten state indicate an increase in viscosity with increasing the amount of alloying agent. A correlation between electrical resistivity and viscosity from our data and previous works is observed. This multi-probe measurement capability improves the detection of solid-state transformations and solid-melt transitions, relates structural and electrical properties of geomaterials, and allows constraining the mobility of melts using viscosity data. This new setup advances research about melt distribution and mobility at conditions relevant to planetary interiors.