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October 6, 2007
Have you ever heard of tin whiskers?
I hadn't either - something ELSE to worry about. Is my solder developing 5 o'clock shadow? The article is remarkably interesting, for such a tiny problem - here's a bit:
Typically measuring under a millimeter long, tin whiskers look like errant strands of static-charged hair, erupting in every direction from tin-based materials like solder. Their cause is hotly debated. Other metals also grow whiskers, but not like tin.Trouble arises when the whiskers bridge separate parts of increasingly miniaturized circuit boards. They also can flake off and interfere with sensitive optics.
While scientists debate their cause, they agree on one thing: Small amounts of lead mixed with the tin have been remarkably effective at preventing whisker eruptions for decades.
Lead, however, is a serious health concern. In children, it can cause learning or behavioral problems and has been associated with anemia and kidney problems. In adults, exposure has been linked to high blood pressure and reproductive organ damage.
Posted by CrankyProfessor at October 6, 2007 8:05 AM
Comments
This is fascinating. A problem I didn't know existed has a solution which is problematic in a way I knew.
Weird.
Posted by: Micah Tillman at October 6, 2007 12:33 PM
Was not lead in the drinking cups of the Romans seen as the cause for the drastic decline in the birth rate among the elite? I seem to reacl it also is seen as the Roman pattern of adopting heirs...simply too few children.
Posted by: Donald Wolberg at October 7, 2007 12:28 PM