Discovering Heat of Fusion for a Multi-Element Metal Alloy in Lab | Quick Guide

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To determine the heat of fusion for the specified metal alloy (50% Bismuth, 26.7% Lead, 13.3% Tin, and 10% Cadmium), it is not sufficient to simply average the individual heat of fusion values of each element. The heat of fusion for the alloy must be calculated based on the specific proportions and properties of each component, considering their interactions and phase changes. A resource was shared that provides information on Wood's metal, although it uses less common units. Additionally, caution is advised regarding the toxicity of lead and cadmium, emphasizing the importance of safety measures to prevent volatilization during use, particularly in heat sink applications.
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Hey all, I'm working in a lab and am trying to build a heat sink. Basically, I need to find the heat of fusion of a certain metal alloy (which contains multiple elements).

The alloy consists of 50% Bismuth 26.7 Lead 13.3 Tin and 10% Cadmium. How do I find the heat of fusion? Is it the average of the individual heat of fusion values for each element?

Quick help would be great!
 
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Kvm90 said:
Hey all, I'm working in a lab and am trying to build a heat sink. Basically, I need to find the heat of fusion of a certain metal alloy (which contains multiple elements).

The alloy consists of 50% Bismuth 26.7 Lead 13.3 Tin and 10% Cadmium. How do I find the heat of fusion? Is it the average of the individual heat of fusion values for each element?

Quick help would be great!

Here is a page with that info for Wood's metal, but in rather arcane btu/lbs units (arcane for science anyway).
http://www.alchemycastings.com/lead-products/fusible.htm

One note of caution .. I assume you know how toxic lead and cadmium are? Since you are using it for a heat sink, you really need to be careful that it doesn't get hot enough to volatilize. The best choice would be to have the melt completely contained in a vapor tight vessel, if that is possible for your application.
 
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Thank you very much. I will be sure to use care when handling the heat sink.
 
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