Tin disease

Tin Disease (also known as Tin Pest or Tin Plague) is a form of corrosion that affects tin objects at low temperatures. It is characterized by a transformation of the metal's crystal structure from its normal "white" form to a brittle, "grey" form. This change can cause significant damage to tin objects, particularly those that are exposed to cold conditions for extended periods.

History

The phenomenon of Tin Disease was first observed in the 18th century, when organ pipes made of tin began to crumble in the cold European winters. This led to the term "Tin Plague", as the damage was often severe and irreversible. The cause of the disease was not understood until the 20th century, when scientists discovered the crystal structure transformation that occurs in tin at low temperatures.

Causes

Tin Disease is caused by a change in the crystal structure of tin. At temperatures above 13.2 degrees Celsius, tin has a tetragonal crystal structure, known as "white" tin. However, below this temperature, it transforms into a cubic crystal structure, known as "grey" tin. This grey form is more brittle and less ductile than white tin, causing the metal to crumble and break.

Prevention

Preventing Tin Disease involves maintaining tin objects at temperatures above the critical point of 13.2 degrees Celsius. This can be achieved through environmental control or by alloying the tin with other metals, such as antimony, which stabilizes the white form of tin and prevents the transformation to grey tin.

See also

• Corrosion
• Tin
• Crystal structure
• Antimony