Characteristics for Gallium-Based Liquid Alloys of Low Melting Temperature

Abstract

Gallium alloys are ideal base carriers for temperature-sensitive ferrofluids, which can be used for energy convection, soft robotics, microchannels, magnetorheological devices, etc. In this study, gallium was mixed with different substances (In, Sn, Zn, Ge, and Al) to obtain a low melting point, reduce the wetness and adhesion of its alloys, and realize low viscosity. The melting point, contact angle on certain solid plates, viscosity, and viscoelasticity of the gallium alloys were measured, and some useful gallium alloys were obtained. The experimental results showed that Ga80In10Sn10 had lower wettability at a larger contact angle of 148.6° on the Teflon plate. Here, (Ga80In10Sn10)97Zn3 with a melting point of 8.2 °C, lower than the melting point of Galinstan, was developed. It had a viscosity about three times that of water at room temperature and an elastic response from 0.1 to 100 Hz at a 1% strain amplitude for the viscoelasticity. It was expected that a kind of temperature-sensitive magnetic fluid with a gallium-based liquid alloy as the base carrier liquid would be prepared in the future with Teflon as the container to achieve energy conversion under the drive of the magnetic field.

Machine learning (ML)-assisted surface tension and oscillation-induced elastic modulus studies of oxide-coated liquid metal (LM) alloys

“…All the previous works have also reported that storage modulus dominates the viscous modulus of LM similarly in air. Researchers have investigated the modulus using different rheometers based on different working principles but still have reported a similar difference between the modulus [ 12 , 14 , 27 , 62 ]. As the volume is constantly oscillating in a short range [cf figures 7 (b)–(d)], the oxide layer is continuously evolving (either rupturing or stretching into new oxides) [ 24 , 92 ] as the yielded surface.…”

“…However, we can further leverage the techniques to investigate the kinetic behavior of the LM oxide layer. We first validated our dilatational results with previous literature to compare the elastic and viscous components of the LM [ 12 , 14 , 27 , 62 ]. As proof of concept, we also present the LM droplet turning into a softer material by showing the gradual elastic modulus reduction.…”

Interfacial interaction-induced super-wettability of gallium-based liquid metals: a review

“…8 The melting point of LMs can be adjusted below room temperature by varying their composition. 9 GLMs can flow and deform freely at room temperature. Based on the analysis of chemical microstructures, it can be known that the force between Ga and Ga or between Ga and other metal atoms is not as strong as that for solid metal.…”

Acidic-Induced Liquid Metal–Montmorillonite Self-Sintering Conductive Ink with Multilayer Sandwiched Structure for Flexible Printed Electronics

“…Given the issues above, liquid metal (LM) is considered a good alternative with enormous potential for flexible electronics due to its especially high electrical conductivity comparable to rigid metal , while possessing unique liquid-like deformability. , Despite high processability, virgin LM has a high surface tension, making it difficult to be well dispersed and patterned onto the substrate directly . Although the encapsulation of liquid metal nanoparticles (LMNPs) through an organic shell layer could improve their stable dispersion, − the conductivity would be impaired, making the extra sintering of the ink necessary. , …”