Metal whiskers are thin wire-like structures that form from a metallic surface without any specific external trigger. The whiskers can be extremely thin, being only fractions of a micrometer thick, while reaching lengths of several millimeters. The whiskers are generally considered as hazardous formation as they can lead to development of electrical shortcuts and device failure. However, the whiskers can have a potential usage as nanostructures and nanoparticles for advanced applications and novel material development. In the research, researchers present the unique formation of Pb whiskers, extend from the surface of an aluminum alloy. The special origin of the whiskers, being exerted from the Bi-Mg-Pb pools, result in fascinating morphology and growth behavior, giving us a clearer insight into the origin and mechanism of whisker development over time and under different conditions. In this video, researchers present the highlights of the research results and discuss the individual mechanisms and proposed theories for the whiskers nucleation, growth and remodeling. For further information on the research on the whisker topic please look at their articles [1][2].
References
- Matic Jovičević-Klug; Patricia Jovičević-Klug; Tina Sever; Darja Feizpour; Bojan Podgornik; Extraordinary Nanocrystalline Pb Whisker Growth from Bi-Mg-Pb Pools in Aluminum Alloy 6026 Moderated through Oriented Attachment. Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 1842, 10.3390/nano11071842.
- Matic Jovičević-Klug; Tim Verbovšek; Patricia Jovičević-Klug; Barbara Šetina Batič; Bojan Ambrožič; Goran Dražić; Bojan Podgornik; Revealing the Pb Whisker Growth Mechanism from Al-Alloy Surface and Morphological Dependency on Material Stress and Growth Environment. Materials 2022, 15, 2574, 10.3390/ma15072574.