Zone melting meaning

Zone melting is a process in which impurities are gradually separated from a crystalline substance by melting a small section at a time and allowing the impurities to move along the solid-liquid interface.


Zone melting definitions

Word backwards enoz gnitlem
Part of speech The part of speech of the term "zone melting" is a verb phrase.
Syllabic division zone melt-ing
Plural The plural of the word zone melting is zone meltings.
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) o,e,i
Consonants (6) z,n,m,l,t,g

Zone Melting

Zone melting is a process used in the purification of materials by passing a molten zone through a solid crystal. This technique is employed in the manufacturing of semiconductors and other materials requiring a high level of purity. It is a highly effective method for removing impurities from a substance, resulting in a refined end product.

How Does Zone Melting Work?

During zone melting, a small section of the material is heated to its melting point while the rest remains solid. The molten zone moves through the crystal, and impurities are selectively incorporated or excluded from the liquid phase, depending on their solubility in the molten material. As the pure material crystallizes behind the molten zone, the impurities are pushed to the edges, resulting in a more purified material.

Applications of Zone Melting

Zone melting is commonly used in the production of semiconductors, where purity is crucial for optimal performance. It is also utilized in the purification of metals, such as silicon and germanium, to remove impurities that can affect the material's conductivity and other properties. Additionally, zone melting has applications in the production of high-purity crystals for various scientific and industrial purposes.

Advantages of Zone Melting

One of the primary advantages of zone melting is its ability to achieve a high degree of purity in materials that are challenging to purify using other methods. It offers precise control over the purification process, allowing for the removal of specific impurities to meet stringent quality standards. Zone melting is also a relatively energy-efficient process compared to other purification techniques.

Limitations of Zone Melting

While zone melting is effective in purifying materials, it can be a time-consuming process, especially when dealing with large volumes of material. The equipment required for zone melting can be expensive and complex, making it less accessible for some applications. Care must also be taken to ensure uniform heating and cooling of the material to prevent defects in the final product.

In Conclusion

Zone melting is a powerful technique for purifying materials and achieving high levels of purity necessary for certain industries. By carefully controlling the movement of the molten zone through a solid crystal, impurities can be effectively removed, resulting in refined materials with enhanced properties. While it has its limitations, zone melting remains a valuable method for producing high-quality materials for various applications.


Zone melting Examples

  1. Zone melting is a technique used in the purification of materials.
  2. One application of zone melting is in the production of high-purity silicon for semiconductors.
  3. Zone melting can also be used to create single crystals of metals.
  4. Researchers use zone melting to study the segregation behavior of impurities in materials.
  5. The process of zone melting involves passing a molten zone along a material.
  6. Zone melting is a common method for refining germanium for use in transistors.
  7. In the aerospace industry, zone melting is used to produce high-performance alloys.
  8. Zone melting can be used to remove contaminants from materials through selective melting and solidification.
  9. Scientists utilize zone melting to fabricate single-crystal fibers for various applications.
  10. The concept of zone melting was first introduced by William G. Pfann in the 1950s.


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  • Updated 28/03/2024 - 20:41:30