From: peter@tsto.co.uk   
      
   On 10/12/2023 00:16, Ethan Humphrey wrote:   
   > What about Galinstan? Would a teflon coated steel muffin tin work to make it   
   with a small propane torch?   
      
   I wouldn't use teflon with a torch; when teflon gets hot (above ~260 C)   
   it gives off really nasty gasses. As tin melts at 232 C you will almost   
   certainly exceed the maximum temperature tolerance of teflon when making   
   galinstan, especially with a torch.   
      
   Also, tin fumes will make you ill. Probably indium fumes too. I'd want   
   better temperature control than a gas torch can provide, but ymmv.   
   Probably won't kill you though, unlike overheated teflon which might.   
      
      
   Never made galinstan, but I use an electric solder pot for making and   
   melting similar gallium-containing solders, it's very heavily anodised   
   aluminium. Probably shouldn't do that, as gallium and aluminium don't   
   mix (or rather they do mix, far too well).   
      
   Been in use for a couple of years now, but I don't recommend it. Been   
   meaning to get an inert liner for it since I got it, just never got   
   around to it.   
      
      
   You could use a silica or alumina crucible. Not very expensive,   
   especially considering indium and gallium are expensive anyway. I'd   
   avoid graphite.   
      
   Glass or pottery is probably ok for short-term use only.   
      
   But please, not teflon.   
      
      
   Peter Fairbrother   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)