Effect of Strain Rate on Tensile Behavior of Sn-9Zn-xAg-ySb;{(x, y) = (0.2, 0.6), (0.2, 0.8), (0.6, 0.2), (0.8, 0.2)} Lead-Free Solder Alloys

The tensile properties of Sn-9Zn-xAg-ySb;{(x, y) = (0.2, 0.6), (0.2, 0.8), (0.6, 0.2), (0.8, 0.2)} lead-free solders were investigated. All the test samples were annealed at 150°C for 1 hour. The tests are carried out at room temperature at the strain rate of 4.17 × 10-3 s-1, 20.85 × 10-3 s-1, and 208.5 × 10-3 s-1. It is seen that the tensile strength increases and the ductility decrease with increasing the strain rate over the investigated range. From the strain rate change test results, the strain sensitivity values are found in the range of 0.0831 to 0.1455 due to the addition of different alloying elements.

Effects of phosphorus addition on the properties of Sn-9Zn lead-free solder alloy

This article explores tile effects of phosphorus addition on the wettability between Sn-9Zn solder alloy and Cu substrates, the oxidation behavior and the corrosion behavior of Sn-9Zn solder alloy. Spreading test was used to characterize the wettability of Sn-9Zn-xP solder alloys to Cu substrates. The oxidation and corrosion behaviors of Sn- 9Zn-xP solder alloys were determined by means of weight gaining, and secondary ion mass spectrometry was used to analyze the oxygen content. The role and mechanism of P in the solder alloys were also discussed. It is found that the addition of P can significantly improve the wettability of the solder alloys. Incorporating P into Sn-9Zn solder alloy obviously decreases the oxygen content and enhances the oxidation and corrosion resistance. Microstructure observations show that an appropriate amount of P can greatly refine coarse rod-like Zn-rich phases in Sn-gZn solder alloy.

Effects of Ga,Al,Ag,and Ce multi-additions on the wetting characteristics of Sn-9Zn lead-free solder

An orthogonal method was used to evaluate the effects of Ga, Al, Ag, and Ce multi-additions on the wetting characteristics of Sn-9Zn lead-free solders by wetting balance method. The results show that the optimal loading of Ga, Al, Ag, and Ce was 0.2 wt.%, 0.002 wt.%, 0.25 wt.%, and 0.15 wt.%, respectively. Intermetallic compounds （IMCs） formed at the interface between Sn-9Zn-0.2Ga-0.002Al-0.25Ag- 0.15Ce solder and Cu substrate were investigated by scanning electron microscope （SEM） and energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS） analysis. The SEM images illustrate that the IMCs can be divided into two portions from the substrate side to the solder side： a planar CusZns layer and an additional continuous scallop-like AgZn3 layer. The EDS analysis also shows that Ga segregates in the solder abutting upon the interface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS） and Auger electron spectroscopy （AES） of the surface components of Sn-9Zn-0.2Ga-0.002Al- 0.25Ag-0.15Ce solder indicate that Al aggregates at the surface in the form of Al203 protective fdm, which prevents the further oxidation of the solder surface. On the other hand, Ce aggregates at the subsurface, which may reduce the surface tension of the solder and improve the wettability in consequence.

Effect of a Trace of Bi and Ni on the Microstructure and Wetting Properties of Sn-Zn-Cu Lead-Free Solder

The microstructure and melting behavior of Sn-9Zn-2Cu （SZC） lead-free solder with 3 wt pct Bi and various amount of Ni additions were studied. The wetting properties and the interracial reaction of Sn-Zn-Cu with Cu substrate were also examined. The results indicated that the addition of 3 wt pct Bi could decrease the melting point of the solder and Ni would refine the microstructure and the rod-shape Cu5Zn8 phase changed into square-shape （Cu, Ni）5Zn8 phase. The addition of Bi, Ni greatly improved the wettability of SZC solder. In addition, the interracial phase of the solders/Cu joint was typical planar Cu5Zn8 in SZC-3Bi-INi alloy.

Solderability and intermetallic compounds formation of Sn-9Zn-xAg lead-free solders wetted on Cu substrate

The eutectic Sn-9Zn alloy was doped with Ag （0 wt.%-1 wt.%） to form Sn-9Zn-xAg lead-free solder alloys. The effect of the addition of Ag on the microstructure and solderability of this alloy was investigated and intermetallic compounds （IMCs） formed at the solder/Cu interface were also examined in this study. The results show that, due to the addition of Ag, the microstructure of the solder changes. When the quantity of Ag is lower than 0.3 wt.%, the needle-like Zn-rich phase decreases gradually. However, when the quantity of Ag is 0.5 wt.%-1 wt.%, Ag-Zn intermetallic compounds appear in the solder. In particular, adding 0.3 wt.% Ag improves the wetting behavior due to the better oxidation resistance of the Sn-9Zn solder. The addition of an excessive amount of Ag will deteriorate the wetting property because the gluti- nosity and fluidity of Sn-9Zn-（0.5, 1）Ag solder decrease. The results also indicate that the addition of Ag to the Sn-Zn solder leads to the precipitation of ε-AgZn3 from the liquid solder on preformed interracial intermetallics （CusZn8）. The peripheral AgZn3, nodular on the Cu5Zn8 IMCs layer, is likely to be generated by a peritectic reaction L ＋ γ-Ag5Zns→AgZn3 and the following crystallization of AgZn3.

Wettability of Sn-Zn-Bi Based Lead-Free Solder with Rare Earths

Effect of different contents of La and Ga on the wettability and the mierostrueture of interface of Sn-8.9Zn- 2.7Bi trinary alloys was studied. The results show that different contents of La and Ga have significant effect on the wettability of Sn-Zn-Bi based lead-free solder under the condition of both atmosphere and nitrogen. By adding suitable amount of Ga, Cu and La to Sn-Zn-Bi solder, a new lead-free solder Sn-8.9Zn-2.7Bi- 1.0Ga-0.5Cu-0.2La with better wettability was prepared, which has a wetting angle of 25.1° to Cu.

Effect of diode-laser parameters on shear force of micro-joints soldered with Sn-Ag-Cu lead-free solder on Au/Ni/Cu pad

Soldering experiments with Sn-3.5Ag-0.5Cu lead-free solder on Au/Ni/Cu pad were carried out by means of diode-laser and IR reflow soldering methods respectively.The influence of different heating methods as well as output power of diode-laser on shear force of micro-joints was studied and the relationship between the shear force and microstructures of micro-joints was analyzed.The results indicate that the formation of intermetallic compound Ag3Sn is the key factor to affect the shear force and the fine eutectic network structures of micro-joints as well as the dispersion morphology of fine compound Ag3Sn,in which eutectic network band is responsible for the improvement of the shear force of micro-joints soldered with Sn-Ag-Cu lead-free solder.With the increases of output power of diode-laser,the shear force and the microstructures change obviously.The eutectic network structures of micro-joints soldered with diode-laser soldering method are more homogeneous and the grains of Ag3Sn compounds are finer in the range of near optimal output power than those soldered with IR reflow soldering method,so the shear force is also higher than that using IR reflow soldering method.When the output power value of diode-laser is about 41.0 W,the shear force exhibits the highest value that is 70% higher than that using IR reflow soldering method.

Effect of cerium on microstructure and mechanical properties of Sn-Ag-Cu system lead-free solder alloys

The melting point, spreading property, mechanical properties and microstructures of Sn-3.0Ag-2.8Cu solder alloys added with micro-variable-Ce were studied by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray(EDX). The results indicate that the melting point of Sn-3.0Ag-2.8Cu solder is enhanced by Ce addition; a small amount of Ce will remarkably prolong the creep-rupture life of Sn-3.0Ag-2.8Cu solder joint at room temperature, especially when the content of Ce is 0.1%, the creep-rupture life will be 9 times or more than that of the solder joint without Ce addition; the elongation of Sn-3.0Ag-2.8Cu solder is also obviously improved even up to 15.7%. In sum, the optimum content of Ce is within 0.05%-0.1 %.

Mechanical properties of QFP micro-joints soldered with lead-free solders using diode laser soldering technology

Soldering experiments of quad flat package(QFP) devices were carried out by means of diode laser soldering system with Sn-Ag-Cu and Sn-Cu-Ni lead-free solders, and competitive experiments were also carried out not only with Sn-Pb eutectic solders but also with infrared reflow soldering method. The results indicate that under the conditions of laser continuous scanning mode as well as the fixed laser soldering time, an optimal power exists, while the optimal mechanical properties of QFP micro-joints are gained. Mechanical properties of QFP micro-joints soldered with laser soldering system are better than those of QFP micro-joints soldered with IR reflow soldering method. Fracture morphologies of QFP micro-joints soldered with laser soldering system exhibit the characteristic of tough fracture, and homogeneous and fine dimples appear under the optimal laser output power.

Parameter fitting of constitutive model and FEM analysis of solder joint thermal cycle reliability for lead-free solder Sn-3.5Ag

The experimental tests of tensile for lead-free solder Sn-3.5Ag were performed for the general work temperatures range from 11 to 90 ℃ and strain rate range from 5×10-5 to 2×10-2 s-1, and its stress—strain curves were compared to those of solder Sn-37Pb. The parameters in Anand model for solder Sn-3.5Ag were fitted based on experimental data and nonlinear fitting method, and its validity was checked by means of experimental data. Furthermore, the Anand model was used in the FEM analysis to evaluate solder joint thermal cycle reliability. The results show that solder Sn-3.5Ag has a better creep resistance than solder Sn-37Pb. The maximum stress is located at the upper right corner of the outmost solder joint from the symmetric center, and thermal fatigue life is predicted to be 3.796×104 cycles under the calculated conditions.

Effect of indium addition on the microstructural formation and soldered interfaces of Sn-2.5Bi-1Zn-0.3Ag lead-free solder

The microstructural formation and properties of Sn-2.5Bi-xln-lZn-0.3Ag （in wt%） alloys and the evolution of soldered interfaces on a Cu substrate were investigated. Apart from the relatively low melting point （about 195C）, which is close to that of conventional eutectic Sn-Pb solder, the investigated solder presents superior wettability, solderability, and ductility. The refined equiaxial grains enhance the me- chanical properties, and the embedded bulk intermetallic compounds （IMCs） （Cu6Sn5 and CusZns） and granular Bi particles improve the joint reliability. The addition of In reduces the solubility of Zn in the 13-Sn matrix and strongly influences the separation and growth behaviors of the IMCs. The soldered interface of Sn-2.5Bi-xln-lZn-0.3Ag/Cu consists of Cu-Zn and Cu-Sn IMC layers.

Interfacial intermetallic compound growth and shear strength of low-silver SnAgCuBiNi/Cu lead-free solder joints

The growth rule of the interfacial intermetallic compound （IMC） and the degradation of shear strength of Sn-0.SAg-0.5Cu-2.0Bi-0.05Ni （SACBN）/Cu solder joints were investigated in comparison with Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu （SAC305）/ Cu solder joints aging at 373, 403, and 438 K. The results show that （Cul-x,Nix）6Sn5 phase forms between the SACBN solder and Cu substrate during soldering. The interracial IMC thickens constantly with the aging time increasing, and the higher the aging temperature, the faster the IMC layer grows. Compared with the SAC305/Cu couple, the SACBN/Cu couple exhibits a lower layer growth coefficient. The activation energies of IMC growth for SACBN/Cu and SAC305/Cu couples are 111.70 and 82.35 kJ/mol, respectively. In general, the shear strength of aged solder joints declines continuously. However, SACBN/Cu solder joints exhibit a better shear strength than SAC305/Cu solder joints.

Nano ZrO_(2) Particulate-reinforced Lead-Free Solder Composite

A lead-free solder composite was prepared by adding ZrO2 nanopowders in eutectic Sn-Ag alloy. Microstrucrural features and microhardness properties of those solders with different ZrO2 nanopowder fraction were examined. Results indicate that the addition of ZrO2 nanopowders reduced the size of β-Sn grains and restrained the formation of bulk Ag3Sn intermetallic compounds （IMCs） due to the adsorption effect of the ZrO2 particles. The Vicker＇s hardness of the obtained lead-free solder composites fits well with the HalI-Petch relationship. The refinement of β-Sn grains favors to improve the microhardness of composite solders.

Effect of Antimony Additions on Corrosion and Mechanical Properties of Sn-Bi Eutectic Lead-Free Solder Alloy

The goal of the present work is to investigate the effects of the addition of Sb (0, 3 and 6 wt%) on structure, melting, corrosion and mechanical properties of Sn-Bi eutectic solder alloys. The mechanical properties of the bulk Sn-Bi-Sb solders were higher as the amount of antimony increases, making compressive strength augment from 65 MPa to 100 MPa when 6 wt% Sb was incorporated to the Sn-Bi eutectic alloy. The three alloys presented a melting temperature that is smaller to the one exhibited by the eutectic alloy Sn-38Pb (Tm = 183°C). According to the electrochemical results, the addition of higher contents of Sb to the Sn-Bi eutectic alloy had a positive effect: it ennobled the Ecorr values.

Effects of Ni-Doping on Microstructures and Properties of Zn-20Sn High-Temperature Lead-Free Solders

In the present work, the effect of Ni doping on the microstructures and properties of Zn-20 Sn high temperature lead-free solder has been investigated. Interestingly,Ni was present as the form of Ni-Zn compounds in the microstructure of Zn-20 Sn-xNi alloy.When the Ni-doping amount was 0.2~0.4 wt.%, the presence of δ phase was found, and when the doping amoun was 0.8 wt.%, the presence of γ phase was observed. With the increase of Ni content, the liquidus temperature increased but the solidus temperature did not change obviously. In addition, the microhardness and electrical resistivities of Zn-20 Sn-xNi solder increased gradually. And the spreading area and shear strength increased firstly but decreased afterwards. When the content of Ni was 0.4 wt.%, the spreading area and shear strength of solder reached to be maximum. After the addition of 0.4 wt.% Ni, the microstructure of the interfacial intermetallic compound(IMC) layer of the interface didn't change, but the total thickness of the IMC layer reduced. The δ-phase was embedded in the grain boundary of ε-Cu Zn5, which hindered the diffusion of atoms. The thickness of IMC layer at the interface reduced, which led to the improvement of the shear strength of the interface.

Capillary wave formation on excited solder jet and fabrication of lead-free solder ball

A survey of solder ball production processes especially focusing on disturbed molten metal jet breakup process was made. Then the formation of capillary wave on tin melt jet in the way of rapid solidification was studied. A semi-empirical formula, which can be written as λ=C_ vib(σ/ρ) 1/3f -2/3 to predict the relationship between wavelength of capillary wave and frequency of imposed vibration was obtained. Sn-4.0Ag-0.5Cu lead free solder ball was successfully produced with tight distribution and good sphericity. The excited jet breakup process is promising for cost effectively producing solder ball.

Structure and Properties of Sn-9Zn Lead-Free Solder Alloy with Heat Treatment

The Sn-9Zn lead-free solder alloy was prepared by conventional casting technique then cold-rolled into long sheets of 1 mm thickness and 3 mm width. It was annealed at 80, 120 and 160°C for 60 min to investigate the effect of isochronal heat treatment on structure and mechanical properties of the cold rolled Sn-9Zn alloy. The results showed that, the crystallite size and lattice strain have opposite behavior with increasing annealing temperature due to recovery and recrystalization processes associated with the heat treatment process. Vickers micro-hardness number increases continuously from 155 to 180 MPa with increasing annealing temperature. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) was also calculated. It was found that, it is equal to 61.4 MPa for the non annealed sample and slightly decreases to 60.5 and 58.2 MPa for samples annealed at 80 and 120°C, respectively. While, increases to 65.4 MPa for the sample annealed at 160°C. Also, ductility increases with increasing annealing temperature in opposite manor with the UTS. The new method for Micro-creep behavior as well as the creep rate calculated by this method has been characterized at room temperature.

Enhancing the Creep Resistance of Sn-9.0Zn-0.5Al Lead-Free Solder Alloy by Small Additions of Sb Element

The creep phenomenon is considered as one of the most important deformation mechanisms under working conditions. The present study has examined the microstructure and creep properties of Sn-9.0Zn-0.5Al solder alloy after adding a small amount of Antimony (Sb). Nominal compositions of Sb additions were chosen to be 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt.%. The minimum strain rate was reduced for the Sb containing solder alloy. The stress exponents, n, were found to be around 3.7 for all soldiers at 130°C. The stress exponent increases as the temperature drops from 100°C to 50°C, except for the 1.0% Sb alloy, where n 5.3 - 6.1 at all the temperature range (T = 50°C, 100°C and 130°C). The results reveal that the Sb-containing solder alloys have better creep resistance with greater ductility than the Sb-free alloy due to solid solution strengthening, and intermetallic compound SnSb particle hardening.