Whisker

Whisker, also translated as "fiber" in German, refers to thin metallic fibers or crystal needles that can form spontaneously on metal surfaces. This process is known as whisker growth and affects zinc, tin and other metals in particular. The phenomenon is important in the metallurgical industry as whiskers affect electrical conductivity and can potentially lead to unwanted short circuits in electronic components.

Whiskers are formed by mechanical or thermal stresses on the metal surface. These fibers can be microscopic, but they are of interest to various industries due to their potential impact on the performance of electronic devices.

Various techniques are used to minimize whisker growth, including special coatings, alloys and process controls. These measures are designed to reduce the formation of whiskers on metal surfaces and thus ensure the reliability of electronic components. Understanding and controlling whisker growth are therefore important aspects of materials science and electronics manufacturing.