ABSTRACT
Metallic whiskers were first documented in 1946. It has been established that tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and silver (Ag) can grow whiskers. This growth can begin any time from within hours to after years of dormancy. It has been known for more than 50 years that an Sn layer plated on a surface will spontaneously grow hair-like single-crystal filaments known as “tin whiskers.” These growths are of the same character as those known as “whiskers” and which developed between the leaves of Cd-plated variable air condensers, causing considerable trouble in military equipment during the early part of World War II. These whiskers are electrically conductive and physically strong.
