Introduction: Bismuth Spectrum
Bismuth and the levitation, using only diamagnetic forces part 1
I fined levitating objects fascinating, so I decided to try it myself, that's when I found out about bismuth I love this stuff, you can cast it in any shape or form providing you have some tinfoil that is thick enough, you can moulded into any shape and pour the bismuth in when it cools a little bit and it will take the shape, I'm still working on this project, however I thought I should share it with some people to see their opinion, I started by ordering 99% pure bismuth online, it came in chunks which was easier for me to put into the pot, as I did not have to break it up myself, the pot I used was a stainless steel cooking pot as steel has a higher melting point then bismuth which is about 500°, once I melted it completely I then scraped off the slack which is the greyish staff that forms on the top using a fork , once the slack was all scraped off then I poured it into a container that I preselected based on its shape, I also poured it into some moles I made myself using thick aluminium to get different shapes, I packed some sand around the tinfoil to help hold the shape as sand is quite heat resistant, then I allowed to cool until the edges started to solidify, I enjoyed pouring it out into a container I had left a side as the resulting crystals were beautiful, after it had cooled in the mould I then tapped the sides gently to release it from the mould it popped out nicely, then I took some photographs, and started to draw up ideas in my sketchbook of how to make this into an art piece, I realised I would have to make another mould to duplicate the result, as I would need a second for my art piece, I tried many different moulds and objects but in the end this works the best aesthetically, as you can see in the pics, I was so proud as it was my first time doing such a project.
Step 1: Start by ordering 99% pure bismuth online, amount needed for the project about 1 KG.
Step 2: Collect some old tinfoil trays in the shape and size you desire, to be used as the moulds, and collect some sand from your local beach just enough to go around your mould and support the shape you desire.
Step 3: Crush the tinfoil trays into the shape you desire, using your hands as I did, or an object that you can push them into and capture their shape of that object.
Step 4: Find an old stainless steel cooking pot, and use as a container to heat up the bismuth.
Step 5: make sure you have protective clothing on e.g. fire resistant gloves and protective eyewear, and a mask that will filter out the harmful chemicals during the process.
Step 6: Ensure the area is well ventilated e.g. windows open, or do it outside where there is nothing flammable nearby.
Step 7: Heat the bismuth to 500°, or until it is completely liquid.
Step 8: Use a fork to scrape off the slack which is the greyish skin on the surface of the liquid bismuth, until it is completely gone.
Step 9: Now pour the liquid bismuth slowly into the tinfoil mould you made earlier, ensuring you have a good grip on the stainless steel pot as bismuth is quite heavy.
Step 10: Cover with some tinfoil and allow to cool until the edges solidify.
Step 11: Now slowly pour the excess bismuth into a stainless steel container.
Step 12: Once fully cooled, tear off the tinfoil until completely removed from the bismuth.
Step 13: Admire your work and take a photograph.
Note: The slower you cool the bismuth the bigger the crystals will be.
I hope this is informative and that you liked it, please feel free to comment and give advice, in regards to the levitation of the magnet in between the two moulded pieces.
Step 1: Step 1: Start by Ordering 99% Pure Bismuth Online, Amount Needed for the Project About 1 KG.
I started by ordering 99% pure bismuth online, it came in chunks which was easier for me to put into the pot, as I did not have to break it up myself,
Step 2: Step 2: Collect Some Old Tinfoil Trays in the Shape and Size You Desire.
You can cast it in any shape or form providing you have some tinfoil that is thick enough, you can moulded into any shape using your hands as I did, or an object that you can push them into and capture their shape of that object.and pour the bismuth in when it cools a little bit and it will take the shape, and collect some sand from your local beach just enough to go around your mould and support the shape you desire.
Step 3: Step 4: Find an Old Stainless Steel Cooking Pot, and Use As a Container to Heat Up the Bismuth.
The pot I used was a stainless steel cooking pot as steel has a higher melting point then bismuth which is about 500°,
