Fusible alloy

A fusible alloy is a metal alloy capable of being easily fused, i.e. easily meltable, at relatively low temperatures. Fusible alloys are commonly, but not necessarily, eutectic alloys.

General

From practical view, low melting alloys can be divided up into:

• Mercury-containing alloys
• Only alkali metal-containing alloys
• Gallium-containing alloys (but neither alkali metal nor mercury)
• Only bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, zinc, indium and sometimes thallium-containing alloys
• Other alloys (rarely used)

Properties

Fusible alloys are silvery-gray solids, though some are liquid at room temperature.

Projects

• Solder
• Heating bath

Safety and handling

Alloys containing lead,thallium and cadmium are very toxic, and should be handled with proper protection.