TIN WHISKERS: URBAN MYTH?
TIN WHISKERS: URBAN MYTH?
(OP)
Hello,
A colleague yesterday regaled me with stories of "tin whiskers" (presumably strands of tin escaping) occurring in a vacuum when the wrong stainless is used. But he couldn't remember which stainless is the "wrong" one. I have never heard of this.
1. Is there any truth to the "tin whiskers" story?
2. If so, with what stainless does this occur?
Thanks,
'ziner
Peace Through Superior Fire-Power!
A colleague yesterday regaled me with stories of "tin whiskers" (presumably strands of tin escaping) occurring in a vacuum when the wrong stainless is used. But he couldn't remember which stainless is the "wrong" one. I have never heard of this.
1. Is there any truth to the "tin whiskers" story?
2. If so, with what stainless does this occur?
Thanks,
'ziner
Peace Through Superior Fire-Power!





RE: TIN WHISKERS: URBAN MYTH?
The following two sites gives one a overall view of the problem of "Metal Whiskers".
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RE: TIN WHISKERS: URBAN MYTH?
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RE: TIN WHISKERS: URBAN MYTH?
RE: TIN WHISKERS: URBAN MYTH?
Vacuum isn't necessary, either.
Tin whiskers nucleate & grow from the surface of ~pure tin electroplating. Alloying can prevent, but unfortunately, lead was one of the most effective whisker inhibitors.
Some whiskers from the NASA Goddard Center:
Besides the afore-mentioned sites, the electronics industry has published some useful documents on mitigating the problem:
Current Tin Whiskers Theory and Mitigation Practices Guideline - JP002 (March 2006):
http://www.jedec.org/DOWNLOAD/search/JP002.pdf
iNEMI Recommendations on Lead-Free Finishes for Components Used in High-Reliability Products Version 4 (12-1-06) htt
An article "Tackling tin whisker test" gives conditions for accelerating possible whisker growth from samples:
http://www.tmworld.com/article/CA6251552.html
NIST has also done some work as part of their lead-free solders program:
"The Formation of Whiskers on Electroplated Tin Containing Copper" ht
Although a common belief that tin whiskers never form from galvanizing (hot dipped zinc coating on steel), cases have been found:
"The Driving Force Behind Whisker Growth"
htt