On the use of available theoretical models for the interpretation of capillary phenomena of molten metals in the presence of oxygen

This note considers the problem of the interpretation of experiments of capillary phenomena in molten metals. Reference is made to a previous published paper, where a theoretical analysis of the behaviour of molten metals in the presence of oxygen was presented. Such a theoretical analysis allowed relating the gas phase composition at the surface, which is hardly measurable, to the composition in the feed or at the outlet. The application of the theory was effective for the study of the Si-O system. On the other hand, after the publication of the paper, some aspects of the theory remained unclear or misunderstood. So we deemed necessary to present a further in-depth analysis of the theoretical approach, with the goal to definitely clarify its use and consequences for the experimental praxis. Simple and clear rules will be derived, in the most suitable form for the potential users of the theory, mainly experimentalists of capillary phenomena. Moreover, new relevant experimental results are shown, which corroborate the theory