The Thermal Conductivity of Near-Eutectic Galinstan (Ga 68.4 In 21.5 Sn 10 ) Molten Alloy

The need for new heat transfer agent for many applications, namely in the consumer electronics industry, requires materials, liquids at room temperature, with high thermal conductivity. From the different possibilities, Galinstan, a eutectic alloy of Gallium, Indium, and Tin with a melting point ( T m = 283.4 K) has been proposed for many applications, namely for replacing the toxic mercury element, used for many years. It is the purpose of this paper to report thermal conductivity measurements of Galinstan, product name Gallium/Indium/Tin Eutectic (NL-011), Ga 68.4 In 21.5 Sn 10 . The method used was the transient hot strip (THS), using a platinum metal-film sensor, produced by PVD in ceramic substrates, and electrically insulated with a heat-shrinkable coating. The details of the data acquisition system and measuring procedure are reported. Measurements were performed between 28 °C and 103 °C (301 K to 376 K), at atmospheric pressure, with an estimated uncertainty of 6%, and compared with available literature. Data were correlated for linear interpolation. This type of sensor is applied to molten metals for the first time, proofing to concept to future applications in molten metals and molten salts at higher temperatures. Graphical Abstract