Does Tin Rust?
Tin does not rust because rust is iron oxide, and tin contains no iron. Tin is generally corrosion resistant in many everyday environments because it forms a thin oxide film that helps protect the metal. This is one reason tin plating is commonly used on steel to provide a protective, food safe surface, such as in many types of cans.
Tin can still corrode under certain conditions, especially in the presence of strong acids, strong alkalis, or some salts. If tin is used as a coating over steel and the coating is scratched through, the exposed steel underneath can rust because it is iron based. In that case, keeping the surface intact and avoiding harsh chemical exposure helps prevent corrosion.
