Tin
Tin is a soft, corrosion-resistant post-transition metal used as the base metal for solders, tinplate coatings and bronze alloys. This entry covers elemental and primary tin feedstock, separate from specialised tin-silver solder alloy grades.
Overview
Tin (symbol Sn, atomic number 50) is a silvery-white post-transition metal with density about 7.31 g/cm³ and a low melting point of 231.9°C. In automotive manufacturing, tin underpins electronics assembly through tin-based solders (including lead-free Sn-Ag-Cu systems — alloy grades may be listed separately), provides sacrificial and barrier coatings on steel (tinplate and tin-plated terminals), and is a principal alloying element in bronzes for bearings and bushings. Soft, ductile tin also appears in fusible alloys and specialty plating for connectors. Global mine supply is led by China, Indonesia, Myanmar and Peru; conflict-mineral and responsible-sourcing diligence (OECD due diligence, RMI) apply to tin supply chains. Recyclability from solder dross, tinplate scrap and bronze remelt is well established, supporting circular use in electronics and coatings programmes.
Automotive Applications
Similar Materials
Iridium
Platinum Group Metal (PGM)
Iridium is an extremely rare, corrosion-resistant platinum group metal (PGM) with exceptional hardness and a melting point above 2400°C. In automotive and clean-energy systems it is used in spark-plug electrodes, catalytic and electrocatalytic coatings, and proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser anodes.
Ruthenium
Platinum Group Metal (PGM)
Ruthenium is a hard, silvery platinum group metal used as a catalyst promoter, electrode coating and alloying addition. In automotive and mobility contexts it supports exhaust aftertreatment, electrochemical devices and specialised electronic contacts.
Indium
Post-transition Metal
A soft, silvery post-transition metal recovered mainly as a byproduct of zinc refining. Essential feedstock for indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductors, low-melting solders and compound semiconductors used in automotive displays, sensors and electronics.
Zirconia / YSZ
Technical Ceramic / Oxygen Sensor
Yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) is a technical ceramic that conducts oxygen ions at elevated temperature, making it the standard solid electrolyte for automotive oxygen (lambda) sensors and related exhaust sensing.
Properties
Category
Type
Post-transition Metal
Available Colors
Available Forms
Key Properties
- Low melting point (231.9°C)
- Excellent solderability and wetting on copper
- Good corrosion resistance and non-toxicity relative to lead
- Soft and highly ductile
- Allotropes include white (β) and grey (α) tin
- Responsible-sourcing diligence required (3TG)
Technical Specifications
Density
7.31 g/cm³ (β-tin)
Tensile Strength
~14–27 MPa (pure tin; soft — not a structural metal)
Temperature Resistance
Melts at 231.9°C; solder joints typically serviceable in automotive electronics envelopes with proper alloy design
Sustainability
Sustainability Rating
Tin is highly recyclable from solder, tinplate and bronze scrap. Mining impacts and artisanal supply risks (Indonesia, Myanmar, DRC-adjacent trade) require OECD/RMI due diligence. Lead-free solder transition improved toxicity profile versus Sn-Pb but increased silver/copper content in some alloys.