Galinstan | |
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![]() Galinstan from a broken thermometer, appearing to wet a piece of glass | |
Physical properties | |
Density (ρ) | 6.44 g/cm3 (at 20 °C) |
Thermal properties | |
Melting temperature (Tm) | -19 °C |
Specific heat capacity (c) | 296 J·kg−1·K−1 |
Sources[1][2][3] |
Galinstan is a brand name for an alloy composed of gallium, indium, and tin which melts at −19 °C (−2 °F) and is thus liquid at room temperature.[4][5] In scientific literature, galinstan is also used to denote the eutectic alloy of gallium, indium, and tin, which melts at around +11 °C (52 °F).[5] The commercial product Galinstan is not a eutectic alloy, but a near eutectic alloy.[5] Additionally, it likely has added flux to improve flowability, to reduce melting temperature, and to reduce surface tension.[5]
Eutectic galinstan is composed of 68.5% Ga, 21.5% In, and 10.0% Sn (by weight).[6]
Due to the low toxicity and low reactivity of its component metals, galinstan has replaced the toxic liquid mercury or the reactive alloy NaK in many applications[which?].
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