I need to find out the options for liquid metal alloys at room temperature. I've got a device with a spinning copper disc which needs to make a low resistance electrical contact via the edge of the disc being slightly dipped in a pool of liquid metal. I was going to use mercury, but since the vapor is toxic I was looking into other options so I don't have to build an air tight enclosure. One option I found was a mixture of 76% gallium and 24% indium which melts at 16° C (61° F) but I'm concerned about this alloy oxidizing and I'm also concerned that the alloy could "wet" the copper. Would these problems occur? What are the options for liquid metal alloys that will not wet the copper and not oxidize?
2007-05-12 14:08:56 · 2 answers · asked by merlock 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Try an inert atmosphere of N2 which can be created by a pump.
2007-05-12 21:15:10 · answer #1 · answered by ag_iitkgp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not use a liquid alloy in this case. I advice you to use a metal colloid, a suspension of nickel in an oil or alcohol would be perfect for this application.
2007-05-20 10:23:12 · answer #2 · answered by Daniel F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋