Tin Pest is the result of a phase transition of tin. In this transition, β-Tin is converted to α-tin. This conversion, strongly influenced by temperature, can start to set in at temperatures below 13°C. The lower the temperature, the faster is the transition. Since the α-tin has an increased volume, the solid tin disintegrates into tin powder. Zinc and aluminum accelerate this process. Antimony and Bismuth can prevent it.

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