Institute of Physics of Materials AS CR, v. v. i. > Projects > Causes and mechanisms of degradation of tin-based materials with a low content of alloying elements
Causes and mechanisms of degradation of tin-based materials with a low content of alloying elements
Investigator | Mgr. Martin Friák, Ph.D. |
Number of Project | 22-05801S |
Internal Project Number | 322030 |
Agency | Grantová agentura České republiky |
Duration | 2022-01-01 - 2025-12-31 |
Anotace |
Tin was historically often used and is still employed nowadays, e.g., in soldering. Current reduction of the Pb content in solders highlighted the problem of beta-Sn to alpha-Sn phase transformation (known as tin pest) that turns bulk Sn into a powder. Published transformationrelated data are, unfortunately, contradictory regarding the mechanism of transformation, the influence of solutes as well as details of the so-called inoculation (insertion of the alpha-Sn into supercooled beta-Sn). By combining experiments with atomic-scale quantum-mechanical calculations, we propose to thoroughly investigate the mechanism of phase transformation of beta-Sn to alpha-Sn, the impact of the most common solutes (Cu, Ag and Pb) as well as the influence of the indentation force during the inoculation. The project will focus on artificiallyaged model Sn alloys with different solutes as well as historic naturally-aged materials (e.g. organ pipes). The obtained results will also shed a new light on the influence of solutes on the precipitation of minor phases and their role in alloy degradation. |