Tin whiskers: An illustrated guide to growth mechanisms and morphologies

Abstract

This manuscript reports on the tin whiskers with a variety of different morphologies. The object of this work is to provide theorists with additional data upon which to build and test whisker growth theories. Many of these whiskers have non-standard morphology but are often observed and rarely reported. A number of potential growth mechanisms are discussed that are consistent with the growth morphology of individual whiskers. In addition whiskers with morphological features that are consistent with a screw dislocation growth mechanism are shown. This indicates that theories of whisker growth by dislocation should not be completely ruled out. Finally, whiskers in the vicinity of grain boundary sliding are presented. This left open questions of whether or not highly non-linear plastic deformation related mechanisms could be planning a significant role in whisker growth.