Several very low melting point Indalloy® alloys are liquid at room temperature. These gallium-based alloys are finding increased use in various applications
as a replacement for toxic mercury, which has a high vapor pressure at room temperature. These alloys have reduced toxicity and lower vapor pressure
than mercury.
Excellent Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
Alloy systems that are liquid at room temperature have a high degree of thermal conductivity far superior to ordinary nonmetallic liquids. This results
in the use of these materials for specific heat conducting and/or dissipation applications. Other advantages of these liquid alloy systems are their
inherent high densities and electrical conductivities.
Extraordinary Wetting Ability to Both Metallic and Non-Metallic Surfaces
These alloys will wet most metallic surfaces once oxides have been sufficiently removed from the substrate surface. However, gallium is very reactive
with some metals, even at room temperature. At high temperatures, gallium dissolves most metals, although a number, including Na, K, Au, Mg, Pb,
Ni and interestingly Hg, are only slightly soluble at moderate temperatures.1
Gallium and the gallium alloys, like indium, have the ability to wet too many non-metallic surfaces such as glass and quartz. Gently rubbing the gallium
alloy into the surface may help induce wetting.
Note: These alloys form a thin dull looking oxide skin that is easily dispersed with mild agitation. The oxide-free surfaces are bright and lustrous.
Applications
Typical applications for these materials include thermostats, switches, barometers, heat transfer systems, and thermal cooling and heating designs.
Uniquely, they can be used to conduct heat and/or electricity between non-metallic and metallic surfaces.
Packaging
Alloys are packaged in polyethylene bottles and shipped in accordance with applicable federal regulations.
Storage/Shelf Life
Unopened bottles have a guaranteed one-year shelf life. It is recommended that, as the alloy is removed from the bottle, the volume be replaced with
dry argon. This will minimize the possibility of oxidation at the surface of the alloy. If the alloy has been stored below its melting point and
has solidified, it should be re-melted and thoroughly shaken or mixed before use. Care should be taken in reheating the alloy in the original packaging
provided. Temperatures should not exceed 65.6°C.
1. Pergamon Texts in Inorganic Chemistry Volume 12, The Chemistry of ALUMINUM, GALLIUM, INDIUM, and THALLIUM by K. Wade & A. J. Banister, University
of Durham, Pergamon Press, 1975.
