Tin granules
| Chemical formula | Sn |
| Molar mass | 118.69 g/mol |
| CAS number | 7440-31-5 |
| HS Code | 80050000 |
| EC number | 231-141-8 |
| Storage | Without limitation |
| SDS | available |
| Odour | odourless |
| Form | Solid |
| Color | silvery |
| Boiling point | 2260 °C |
| Melting point | 232 °C |
| Vapour pressure | 0 hPa (20 °C) |
| Description & Appearance | Conforms | ||
| Bismuth | ≤ | 0.004 | % |
| Arsenic | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
| Copper | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
| Iron | ≤ | 0.005 | % |
| Lead | ≤ | 0.005 | % |
| Antimoany | ≤ | 0.02 | % |
| Zinc | ≤ | 0.002 | % |
| Assay | ≥ | 99.5 | % |
Tin Granules are small, metallic particles of elemental tin used in various industrial, chemical, and laboratory applications due to their purity and convenient solid form.
🏭⚗️ Production
Tin granules are produced by melting refined tin and rapidly cooling it to form solid particles. This process can involve atomization of molten tin into a cooling chamber or pouring the molten metal into water or onto cold surfaces to form irregular granules. The final product is then sorted by size and may be further purified for high-purity applications.
🔬 Properties
Tin granules are silvery-white, soft, and malleable particles that exhibit metallic luster. They have a relatively low melting point of about 231.9 °C and are stable under normal atmospheric conditions. Tin resists corrosion from water but can be attacked by strong acids and alkalis. The granulated form provides increased surface area compared to bulk tin, which is beneficial in chemical reactions. Tin exhibits two allotropes at room temperature: the metallic β-form and the nonmetallic α-form, which becomes relevant under cold conditions.
🧪 Applications
Tin granules are widely used in metallurgy for alloy production, particularly in the creation of bronze (tin and copper) and solder (tin and lead or tin and silver). In laboratory settings, they are employed in redox reactions and as a reducing agent. Their clean and controlled shape makes them suitable for vacuum deposition and other physical vapor processes. Tin granules are also used in electronics and electroplating, where high-purity metal is required for coatings and connectors.
⚠️ Safety
Tin granules are considered non-toxic and are generally safe to handle. However, as with all fine metal particles, they should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents and sources of ignition, particularly if in powder or dust form. Prolonged exposure to tin fumes, which may be generated during melting or welding, should be avoided as it can lead to a condition known as stannosis, a benign form of pneumoconiosis. Proper ventilation and the use of gloves and safety glasses are recommended when handling tin in any form.
