When mercury is added to aluminum, it forms an amalgam (a mercury alloy).

Aluminum is normally protected by a thick oxide layer, but the formation of the amalgam disrupts it. It allows fresh aluminum to react with air to form white aluminum oxide. As the oxide grows, it forms as these cool white fibers.

1 Comment

1. C.G. says:

   25/05/2021 at 14:48

   very interesting, thanks

   

   

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