Elastic Solids & Liquids at Low & Room Temperature

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for materials that exhibit elastic solid properties at low temperatures while remaining liquid at room temperature. Participants explore various materials, their properties, and potential applications, particularly in the context of creating small pipes filled with a viscous liquid.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest mercury as a candidate, noting its melting point of -39°C.
  • Others mention Woods metal, which has a melting point around 70°C, and inquire about other materials with similar properties.
  • Links to Galinstan and low-temperature alloys are provided as potential alternatives, with Galinstan being noted for its non-toxicity.
  • One participant raises questions about the properties of the desired material, including electrical conductivity, color, smell, and intended use.
  • There is a proposal for a material that is liquid at room temperature but ductile when solid, with a specific interest in electroplating it with aluminum or other metals.
  • Concerns are expressed regarding the compatibility of Galinstan with aluminum and suggestions are made to avoid electroplating in favor of using compatible metal tubes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific material that meets all the criteria. Multiple competing views and suggestions remain, with ongoing exploration of various materials and their properties.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the uncertainty around the compatibility of various materials, the specific requirements for ductility and viscosity, and the unresolved feasibility of electroplating with aluminum.

etherist
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Is there any materials that is elastically solid (ductile that can be shaped into thin wires) at low temperatures but liquid at room temperatures?
 
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Mercury maybe depending on how low the temperature.
 
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Is there any material? Metal has a high melting point, it cannot be.
 
Is the material electrically conductive ?
What colour is it ?
Does it smell ?
Where did you find it ?
What do you want to use it for ?

The metal elemental Gallium melts at a temperature of 29.76 °C
 
The material necessary be nontoxic.
It must be viscous at liquid states.
I prefer an electrically conductive material and Non-Newtonian.

The reason why i wanted a material that is liquid at room temperature but ductile at its solid state is because i wanted to produce a very small pipe filled with that liquid. Is it possible for a wire-material to electroplate it with aluminum or other metal below its melting point? so that when it is heated to room temperature, i have a pipe filled with viscous liquid?
 
Galinstan is a nontoxic alternative for Mercury in thermometers. These are generally not compatible with aluminum, but you'll need to do some research to see what metals they are compatible with. I would not attempt any electroplating - simply get tubes of compatible metals of the correct size and fill. You have limited choices for metals or alloys that are liquid at RT.
 
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