Factors Affecting the Transformation to Gray Tin at Low Temperatures

Abstract

The tendency for white tin, in the form of coatings and otherwise, to be transformed into gray tin is affected by the composition and thickness of the tin, the temperature at which transformation takes place, and the history of the tin prior to the transformation. Gray tin will appear spontaneously under certain conditions, and after inoculation with gray tin or germanium under other conditions. There should be little difficulty in preventing the formation of gray tin if certain precautions are taken.