Alex said:Hi gang,
I want to build a laminar flow stirling engine but can't find graphite around here. Is there any other material which can be used as a piston?
Teflon came to my mind but it might not like the heat.
rickharris said:graphite is obtainable in fairly large diameter rods, often hex, from art shops where it is sold as graphite sticks for drawing. They are about 1/2 inch in dia. Sometimes larger.
Teflon - is good to over 360 to 450 Deg C so a stirling should be no problem. HOWEVER be aware that you need to keep it below 360 to prevent toxic decomposition products. This includes when machining.
It is also recommended that you remove all tobacco products as they could get contaminated and when used give you more than lung cancer!.
Materials hazard sheet here
www2.dupont.com/Teflon_Industrial/en_US/assets/downloads/h75334.pdf -
shred said:Is that "carbon" rod actually graphite?
http://www.jerry-howell.com/Pistons.html suggests not to use 'ordinary carbon', for whatever that is (in addition he doesn't like teflon either).
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