Guesswork has historically played a disproportionately large role in the development of precious-metal alloys and solders. The laws of thermodymanics, governing order, entropy and free energy are fundamental to the discussion of metals. Research results from vaious precious metal alloy development projects will show how thermodynamic modeling, in conjunction with analysis and characterization techniques, can result in the reduction of both time and cost in new alloy design and development. Specific examples include the development of ultra-low melting point gold solders which flow at 550°F (228°C) or below, grain size and distribution of nano-silver particles and melting temperature and phase selectivity in sterling silver alloys. Simple concepts, such as binary phase diagrams, calorimetry study and metallography will be discussed in the examples to lead the audience into deeper understanding of thermodynamics and how they can be applied to jewelry-specific work.

Author(s): Dr. Boonrat Lohwangwatana, Ekasit Nisaratanaporn, Jared HolsteinJared