Mitis metal, also known as "soft metal", is an alloy made of copper and nickel. The correct spelling of this word is /ˈmɪtɪs ˈmetəl/, pronounced as MIT-is MET-uhl. The first syllable, "mit", is pronounced like the word "hit" with an "m" sound at the beginning. The second syllable, "is", is pronounced as in the word "this". The pronunciation of the last syllable, "metal", is the same as the word "metal". The phonetic transcription helps in understanding the correct pronunciation of the term.
Mitis metal, also known as Wood's metal, is a low-melting point alloy that consists mainly of bismuth, lead, tin, and cadmium. It is named after the American inventor Benjamin Wood, who developed the alloy in the mid-19th century. Mitis metal is renowned for its low melting point, typically ranging between 70°C and 100°C (160°F and 212°F), making it one of the lowest melting point alloys available.
The specific composition of Mitis metal can vary, but it typically contains approximately 50% bismuth, 25% lead, 12.5% tin, and 12.5% cadmium. These elements are selected because of their respective low melting points, which collectively contribute to the overall low melting point of Mitis metal.
Due to its low melting point, Mitis metal has various practical applications. It is commonly used in biomedical research and specialized medical equipment to create molds or casts due to its ability to replicate intricate shapes with ease at low temperatures. Additionally, it finds wide utilization in fire sprinkler systems as the thermal element that triggers the release of water when exposed to high temperatures.
However, it is important to note that Mitis metal must be handled with caution due to the presence of toxic elements like lead and cadmium. Strict safety protocols should be followed when working with Mitis metal, including adequate ventilation and appropriate protective gear to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful fumes or ingestion.
The term "Mitis metal" is derived from the Latin word "mitis", which means "mild" or "soft". The name "Mitis metal" was given to a type of steel that was specifically processed to have a soft and malleable property. It was developed by T. D. Colclough at the Midlands Metal Merchants Ltd. The word "metal" itself comes from the Old English word "metall" or "metel", which referred to a mineral substance with metallic properties.