“Tin” or “Zinc” Whiskers and White Rust
Tin or Zinc whiskers are precise electrically conductive pure - metal crystalline structures that grow on components and products having electroplated tin as a surface finish. Zinc whiskers can grow in abundance within data centers, causing bridging and shorting between electrical conductors and component terminations. While zinc whiskers remain attached to their source i.e. floor panels, pedestals, etc
They are basically dormant, however when the whiskers are disturbed and dislodged they become airborne and circulate freely throughout the environment. Disturbance is likely to be caused by routine maintenance activities in the Data Centre, including for example, lifting, sliding, reinstalling of access floor tiles or overhead trays and installing of network cables.
Once inside IT equipment, zinc whiskers as electrically conductive structures, can cause various electrical failures, ranging from intermittent to permanent short circuits. Zinc whiskers can also become a physical impediment to moving parts or obscure optical surfaces and sensors within some equipment
White Rust
Atmospheric moisture contains a small amount of contaminates (salt or minerals) and zinc will react quickly with it to form zinc hydroxide, a chalky white and relatively unstable oxide of zinc. Where freshly galvanized steel is exposed to this type of moisture (rain, dew, condensation) in oxygen deficient environment, the moisture will continue to react with the zinc and aggressively consume the coating.