Contribution of the free energy of the three-phase line of contact to the thermodynamic equilibrium conditions of a metal solvent droplet in Si and Ge whisker growth

Analysis of the shape of the lateral surface of whiskers and the vapor-liquid-solid three-phase line of contact along the wetting perimeter of a metal solvent droplet indicates that the contribution of the free energy related to the line tension on the three-phase line of contact to the thermodynamic equilibrium conditions of the metal solvent droplet in whisker growth leads to a substantial increase in the energy barrier for droplet formation because of the action of the line tension. The shape of the three-phase line of contact suggests that the droplet is in a liquid-solid state of aggregation.