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Paul,
The florists wire I have here is galvanised steel.
That explains the magnetic attraction and reluctance to rust. It also
explains why it will allow many bends without fatigue like pure aluminium.
Of course there may be numerous types of florists wire, I suspect I know
about as much about this, as the average florist knows about magnetic
induction.
Derek
On 28/06/2014 20:02, Paul B. Thompson wrote:
I had reason to build a couple of small induction coils, and I ran out
of the 16 iron wire I usually use for the cores. While in a craft
store I found packaged length of wire made for artificial floral
arrangements. It was 18 gauge, so that was OK. I tested the wire with
a small magnet and it stuck, so I bought some. At home now I'm not
sure what I've got.
It's white metal, and rather soft. Seems like aluminum, but it is
attracted by magnets. I left a short piece wrapped up in soggy paper
towels for a day or two, but it didn't rust. If it weren't for the
magnetic response, I'd swear it's aluminum. Some alloy, I guess, what
is this stuff?
PS I made a core out of it; it works, but the magnetic field is weaker
than when I use iron wire . . .