Codex @codex  0

The diamond-cubic form of tin favoured below about $13{}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$ at ambient pressure. Its lower density than white tin contributes to the damage associated with tin pest.

(Bi) and $(\beta \mathrm{Sn})$ are Bi-rich and Sn-rich terminal solid solutions, not intermetallic compounds. At the eutectic composition, cooling through $138{}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$ givesThe two solids grow together as a fine eutectic microstructure, commonly lamellar or rod-like. Below about $13{}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$, the tin-rich component has an equilibrium tendency to transform from metallic tetragonal white tin to diamond-cubic grey tin, with a substantial volume increase. This is tin pest, which can disrupt the microstructure mechanically. The dashed transition does not transform the Bi-rich phase into tin. Actual transformation can be slow and depend strongly on impurities and nucleation; crossing the line does not guarantee immediate disintegration.

Degradation associated with the slow transformation of white tin to lower-density grey tin. Nucleation, impurities and thermal history strongly affect its kinetics.