'Tin whiskers' being probed
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Britain has been studying the allotropic phase transformation in tin and its alloys, commonly known as tin pest, to measure the implications of adopting lead-free solder manufacturing practices.
The laboratory has received funding and is committed to co-fund this work with industry support, and has allocated a budget over two years to research the problem of tin pest.
It is looking for further industrial partners and is keen to hear from interested companies.
Tin pest can decompose tin into powder at low temperatures. It was thought to be a problem of the past, as tin lead alloys did not suffer the same effect.
Yet the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) bans most uses of lead and the problem has returned, as lead-free alloys contain 95-99% tin.
Tin pest could affect the safety and functionality of electronic products used across many manufacturing sectors, such as the avionics industry.
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