Nucleation and morphology of Cu6Sn5 intermetallic at the interface between molten Sn-0.7Cu-0.2Cr solder and Cu substrate

Junhyuk Son, Dong Yurl Yu, Min Su Kim, Yong Ho Ko, Dong Jin Byun, Junghwan Bang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The nucleation kinetics and morphology of Cu6Sn5 IMCs at the interface between a Sn- 0.7Cu-0.2Cr solder and Cu substrate were investigated in this study. A Sn-0.7Cu solder was utilized as a reference to elucidate the impact of Cr addition. The mechanical properties of the solder joints were determined via ball-shear tests. Cu coupons were dipped in the molten solders for 1 and 3 s at 240-300 °C, and the morphological analyses were conducted via electron microscopy. Both the solders contained scallop-like Cu6Sn5 IMCs. The smallest Cu6Sn5 IMCs were observed at 260 °C in both the solders, and the particle size increased at 280 and 300 °C. The IMCs in the Sn-0.7Cu-0.2Cr solder were smaller and thinner than those in the Sn-0.7Cu solder at all the reaction temperatures. The thickness of the IMCs increased as the reaction temperature increased. Inverse C-type nucleation curves were obtained, and the maximum nucleation rate was observed at an intermediate temperature. The shear strengths of the Sn-0.7Cu-0.2Cr solder joints were higher than those of the Sn-0.7Cu solder joints. This study will facilitate the application of lead-free solders, such as Sn-0.7Cu-0.2Cr, in automotive electrical components.

Original languageEnglish
Article number210
Pages (from-to)1-12
Number of pages12
JournalMetals
Volume11
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021 Feb

Keywords

  • Dipping test
  • Intermetallic compound
  • Lead-free solder
  • Nucleation kinetics
  • Shear strength

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science(all)

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