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Vacuum seal foil.
An example of the element Indium

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Vacuum seal foil.
This very soft indium foil is used to create seals between glass components in high-vacuum systems. The indium is soft enough to deform into any pits and irregularities in the glass just like a rubber seal would. But unlike rubber, indium doesn't give off all sorts of vapors and leak like a sieve. ("Leak like a sieve" being a relative term: In most applications rubber would be considered airtight, but some air and moisture does still make it through, and when you're trying to create a really good vacuum it would be completely inadequate.)
Source: Ethan Currens
Contributor: Ethan Currens
Acquired: 30 October, 2006
Text Updated: 19 November, 2007
Price: Donated
Size: 2"
Purity: 99%
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