Electrical conductance at tin-tin interfaces under stationary and in-motion conditions

The electrical consequences of tin-tin interface-mechanics are explained. Electrical conductance at the tin interface was studied under mildly oxidized and oxide-free conditions. In these studies both stationary and in-motion experiments were conducted. Experimental findings are interpreted using the author´s `rolling snowball´ theory of tin wear. The effect of oxide thickness on the electrical performance of the interface is explored. It was observed that oxide-free tin interfaces cold weld even at low normal forces. As a result of overcoming frictional forces, wear develops, and the particular wear pattern influences the electrical performance of the interface. It was determined that when the cold weld does not develop, tin-tin interfaces display an unpredictable and unstable contact resistance