Intermetallic growth and shear strength of SAC305/EN-Boron

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-148
Author(s):  
Hardinnawirda Kahar ◽  
Zetty Akhtar Abd Malek ◽  
Siti Rabiatull Aisha Idris ◽  
Mahadzir Ishak

Purpose This paper aims to study the effect of aging and cooling rate on the reliability of the solder joint using electroless nickel boron (EN-Boron) as a surface finish in the electronic packaging area. Design/methodology/approach EN-Boron was plated on a Cu substrate through electroless plating method. This process was followed by reflow soldering of Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu solder alloy on metallized Cu substrate to form a joining. Then, the specimens were cooled using different cooling mediums such as air (slow cooling) with 15.7 °C/min and water (fast cooling) with 110.5 °C/min. After that, the specimens were subjected to isothermal aging at 150°C for 0, 250 and 1,000 h. Finally, they went through a lap shear test following ASTM D1002. Optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy were used for intermetallic compound (IMC) characterization. The type of IMC formed was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX). Findings The results showed that the IMC type changed from the combination of Ni3Sn4 and (Ni, Cu)3Sn4 after reflow soldering into fully (Ni, Cu)3Sn4 when aged for 1,000 h. The formation of (Ni, Cu)3Sn4 and Cu3Sn underneath the IMC layer played a role in reducing the shear strength of joining. Overall, water cooling was reported to provide higher shear strength of solder joint compared to air cooling medium. Originality/value The shear strength when using EN-Boron as the surface finish is comparable to the surface finish conventionally used.

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Mohd Najib Ali Mokhtar ◽  
M.Z. Abdullah ◽  
Abdullah Aziz Saad ◽  
Fakhrozi Cheani

Purpose This paper focuses on the reliability of the solder joint after the self-alignment phenomenon during reflow soldering. The aim of this study is to analyse the joint quality of the self-alignment assemblies of SnAg alloy solder joints with varying silver content. Design/methodology/approach The shear strength assessment was conducted in accordance with the JIS Z3 198-7 standard. The standard visual inspection of IPC-A-610G was also performed to inspect the self-alignment features of the solder joint samples. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the probabilistic relationship of shear strength of the misalignment components. Findings The results from the mechanical reliability study indicate that there were decreasing trends in the shear strength value as misalignment offset increased. For shift mode configuration in the range of 0-300 µm, the resulting chip assembly inspection after the reflow process was in line with the IPC-A-610G standard. The statistical analysis shows that the solder type variation was insignificant to the shear strength of the chip resistor. The study concluded that the fracture occurred partially in the termination metallization at the lower part of the chip resistor. The copper content of the joint on that area shows that the crack occurred in the solder joint, and high silver content on the selected zone indicated that the fracture happened partially in the termination structure, as the termination structure of the lead-free chip resistor consists of an inner layer of silver and an outer layer of tin. Practical implications This study’s findings provide valuable guidelines and references to engineers and integrated circuit designers during the reflow soldering process in the microelectronics industry. Originality/value Studies on the effect of component misalignment on joint mechanical reliability are still limited, and studies on solder joint reliability involving the effect of differing contents of silver on varying chip component offset are rarely reported. Thus, this study is important to effectively bridge the research gap and yield appropriate guidelines in the potential industry.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter K. Bernasko ◽  
Sabuj Mallik ◽  
G. Takyi

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of intermetallic compound (IMC) layer thickness on the shear strength of surface-mount component 1206 chip resistor solder joints. Design/methodology/approach – To evaluate the shear strength and IMC thickness of the 1206 chip resistor solder joints, the test vehicles were conventionally reflowed for 480 seconds at a peak temperature of 240°C at different isothermal ageing times of 100, 200 and 300 hours. A cross-sectional study was conducted on the reflowed and aged 1206 chip resistor solder joints. The shear strength of the solder joints aged at 100, 200 and 300 hours was measured using a shear tester (Dage-4000PXY bond tester). Findings – It was found that the growth of IMC layer thickness increases as the ageing time increases at a constant temperature of 175°C, which resulted in a reduction of solder joint strength due to its brittle nature. It was also found that the shear strength of the reflowed 1206 chip resistor solder joint was higher than the aged joints. Moreover, it was revealed that the shear strength of the 1206 resistor solder joints aged at 100, 200 and 300 hours was influenced by the ageing reaction times. The results also indicate that an increase in ageing time and temperature does not have much influence on the formation and growth of Kirkendall voids. Research limitations/implications – A proper correlation between shear strength and fracture mode is required. Practical implications – The IMC thickness can be used to predict the shear strength of the component/printed circuit board pad solder joint. Originality/value – The shear strength of the 1206 chip resistor solder joint is a function of ageing time and temperature (°C). Therefore, it is vital to consider the shear strength of the surface-mount chip component in high-temperature electronics.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Hasnine

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of In and Sb additions on the thermal behavior and wettability of Sn-3.5Ag-xIn-ySb (x = 0, 1.0 and 1.5 Wt.%, y = 0, 1.0, 1.4 and 2.1 Wt.%) solder alloys. Design/methodology/approach The thermal behavior of the Pb-free solder alloys was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. Wetting balance experiments were performed in accordance with the IPC standard, IPC-TM-650 and at a temperature of 260°C. Also, a solder spread test was performed on a Cu surface finish using the JIS-Z-3197 solderability standard. Findings It is shown that among the selected Sn-3.5Ag-xIn-ySb (x = 0, 1.0 and 1.5 Wt.%, y = 0, 1.0, 1.4 and 2.1 Wt.%) alloys, Sn-3.5Ag-1.5In-1Sb showed the lowest melting point and the lowest undercooling temperature. The best wettability was achieved when the In and Sb contents were approximately 1.5 and 1.0 Wt.%, respectively. The effect of the combined addition of In and Sb on solder spreadability on a Cu substrate was also demonstrated. Originality/value It was found that adding approximately 1.5 and 1.0 Wt.% of In and Sb, respectively, in Sn-3.5Ag solder provided the best wetting performance and improved the solder spreadability.


Metals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1295
Author(s):  
Sri Harini Rajendran ◽  
Seung Jun Hwang ◽  
Jae Pil Jung

This study investigates the shear strength and aging characteristics of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC 305)/Cu joints by the addition of ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) having two different particle size: 5–15 nm (ZrO2A) and 70–90 nm (ZrO2B). Nanocomposite pastes were fabricated by mechanically mixing ZrO2 NPs and the solder paste. ZrO2 NPs decreased the β-Sn grain size and Ag3Sn intermetallic compound (IMC) in the matrix and reduced the Cu6Sn5 IMC thickness at the interface of lap shear SAC 305/Cu joints. The effect is pronounced for ZrO2A NPs added solder joint. The solder joints were isothermally aged at 175 °C for 24, 48, 144 and 256 h. NPs decreased the diffusion coefficient from 1.74 × 10–16 m/s to 3.83 × 10–17 m/s and 4.99 × 10–17 m/s for ZrO2A and ZrO2B NPs added SAC 305/Cu joints respectively. The shear strength of the solder joints decreased with the aging time due to an increase in the thickness of interfacial IMC and coarsening of Ag3Sn in the solder. However, higher shear strength exhibited by SAC 305-ZrO2A/Cu joints was attributed to the fine Ag3Sn IMC’s dispersed in the solder matrix. Fracture analysis of SAC 305-ZrO2A/Cu joints displayed mixed solder/IMC mode upon 256 h of aging.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohamed Anuar ◽  
Saliza Azlina Osman

Purpose The surface finish is an essential step in printed circuit boards design because it provides a solderable surface for electronic components. The purpose of this study to investigate the effects of different surface finishes during the soldering and ageing process. Design/methodology/approach The solder joints of Sn-4.0Ag-0.5Cu/Cu and Sn-4.0Ag-0.5Cu/electroless nickel/immersion silver (ENImAg) were investigated in terms of intermetallic (IMC) thickness, morphology and shear strength. The microstructure and compositions of solder joints are observed, and analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and optical microscope (OM). Findings Compounds of Cu6Sn5 and (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 IMC were formed in SAC405/Cu and SAC405/ENImAg, respectively, as-reflowed. When the sample was exposed to ageing, new layers of Cu3Sn and (Ni, Cu)3Sn5 were observed at the interface. Analogous growth in the thickness of the IMC layer and increased grains size commensurate with ageing time. The results equally revealed an increase in shear strength of SAC405/ENImAg because of the thin layer of IMC and surface finish used compared to SAC405/Cu. Hence, a ductile fracture was observed at the bulk solder. Overall, the ENImAg surface finish showed excellent performance of solder joints than that of bare Cu. Originality/value The novel surface finish (ENImAg) has been developed and optimized. This alternative lead-free surface finish solved the challenges in electroless nickel/immersion gold and reduced cost without affecting the performance.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ervina Efzan Mhd Noor ◽  
Baaljinder R. ◽  
Emerson J.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of electromigration (EM) on solder alloy joint on copper with nickel surface finish. Sn-Bi solder alloy has been used in this research. Design/methodology/approach The EM process was completed with the duration of 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h under direct current (DC) of 1,000 mA. Tensile stress on the substrates was assessed after EM at a tension rate of 0.1 mm/min. Microscopy was used to observe the formation and size of voids and conduct an analysis between copper and nickel substrates. Findings Four types of intermetallic compounds (IMCs), namely, Cu-Sn, Cu3Sn, Cu6Sn5, and Sn-Bi, were detected between the Sn-Bi/Co solder joint. Voids appear to be at the anode and the cathode for 96 h of EM for Sn-Bi/Ni solder join; however, there seem to be more voids at the cathode. Originality/value EM is one of the crucial keys to produce a good integrated circuit (IC). When the current density is extremely high and will cause the metal ions to move into the electron direction flow, it will be characterised based on the ion flux density. In this research, the effect of EM on the Sn-Bi solder alloy joint on copper with nickel surface finish was studied.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guisheng Gan ◽  
Donghua Yang ◽  
Yi-ping Wu ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
Pengfei Sun ◽  
...  

Purpose The impact strength of solder joint under high strain rate was evaluated by board level test method. However, the impact shear test of single solder bump was more convenient and economical than the board level test method. With the miniaturization of solder joints, solder joints were more prone to failure under thermal shock and more attention has been paid to the impact reliability of solder joint. But Pb-free solder joints may be paid too much attention and Sn-Pb solder joints may be ignored. Design/methodology/approach In this study, thermal shock test between −55°C and 125°C was conducted on Sn-37Pb solder bumps in the BGA package to investigate microstructural evolution and growth mechanism of interfacial intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layer. The effects of thermal shock and ball diameter on the mechanical property and fracture behavior of Sn-37Pb solder bumps were discussed. Findings With the increase of ball size, the same change tendency of shear strength with thermal shock cycles. The shear strength of the solder bumps was the highest after reflow; with the increase of the number of thermal shocks, the shear strength of the solder bumps was decreased. But at the time of 2,000 cycles, the shear strength was increased to the initial strength. Minimum shear strength almost took place at 1,500 cycles in all solder bumps. The differences between maximum shear strength and minimum shear strength were 9.11 MPa and 16.83 MPa, 17.07 MPa and 15.59 MPa in φ0.3 mm and φ0.4 mm, φ0.5 mm and φ0.6 mm, respectively, differences were increased with increasing of ball size. With similar reflow profile, the thickness of IMC decreased as the diameter of the ball increased. The thickness of IMC was 2.42 µm and 2.17 µm, 1.63 µm and 1.77 µm with increasing of the ball size, respectively. Originality/value Pb-free solder was gradually used to replace traditional Sn-Pb solder and has been widely used in industry. Nevertheless, some products inevitably used a mixture of Sn-Pb and Pb-free solder to make the transition from Sn-Pb to Pb-free solder. Therefore, it was very important to understand the reliability of Sn-Pb solder joint and more further research works were also needed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 982 ◽  
pp. 115-120
Author(s):  
Phairote Sungkhaphaitoon ◽  
Tanyaporn Suwansukho

The effects of bismuth content on the microstructure, shear strength and thermal properties of Sn-0.7Cu-0.05Ni solder joints were investigated. Adding 2 wt% elemental Bi to Sn-0.7Cu-0.05Ni solder joints reduced peak temperature by about 6.7 °C, increased pasty range by 4.2 °C and raised undercooling by 3.1 °C. The microstructure of the interfacial layer between solder and Cu substrate was composed of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 and (Cu,Ni)3Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs). The solder joint included a phase of SnBi and Cu6Sn5 IMCs. The addition of elemental Bi increased shear strength and suppressed the growth of IMCs in the interfacial layer of the solder joints.


2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 2817-2824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong-Won Yoon ◽  
Hyun-Suk Chun ◽  
Hoo-Jeong Lee ◽  
Seung-Boo Jung

The microstructural evolution and interfacial reactions of fluxless-bonded, Au-20wt%Sn/Cu solder joint were investigated during reflow and aging. After reflowing at 310 °C, only one thick and irregularly shaped ζ(Cu) layer was formed at the interface. After the prolonged reflow reaction, the AuCu layer was formed between the ζ(Cu) layer and the Cu substrate. During reflowing, the Cu substrate reacted primarily with the ζ-phase in the solder matrix. The solid-state interfacial reaction was much faster at 250 °C than at 150 °C. After aging at 250 °C for 100 h, thick ζ(Cu), AuCu and AuCu3 IMC layers were formed at the interface. The formation of the AuCu3 intermetallic compound (IMC) was caused by Cu enrichment at the AuCu/Cu layer interface. After aging for 500 h, cracks were observed inside the interfacial AuCu layer. The study results clearly demonstrate the need for an alternative surface finish on Cu, to ensure the high temperature reliability of the Au-20Sn/Cu solder joint.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Liu ◽  
Yuxiong Xue ◽  
Min Zhou ◽  
Rongxing Cao ◽  
Xianghua Zeng ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of Sn-Ag-x leveling layers on the mechanical properties of SnBi solder joints. Four Sn-Ag-x (Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu, Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu, Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu-0.5 Bi-0.05Ni and Sn-3.0Ag-3.0 Bi-3.0In) leveling layers were coated on Cu pads to prepare SnBi/Sn-Ag-x/Cu solder joints. The microstructure, hardness, shear strength and fracture morphology of solder joints before and after aging were studied. Design/methodology/approach The interfacial brittleness of the SnBi low-temperature solder joint is a key problem affecting its reliability. The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical properties of the SnBi solder joint. Findings Owing to the addition of the leveling layers, the grain size of the ß-Sn phase in the SnBi/Sn-Ag-x/Cu solder joint is significantly larger than that in the SnBi/Cu eutectic solder joint. Meanwhile, the hardness of the solder bulk in the SnBi/Cu solder joint shows a decrease trend because of the addition of the leveling layers. The SnBi/Cu solder joint shows obvious strength drop and interfacial brittle fracture after aging. Through the addition of the Sn-Ag-x layers, the brittle failure caused by aging is effectively suppressed. In addition, the Sn-Ag-x leveling layers improve the shear strength of the SnBi/Cu solder joint after aging. Among them, the SnBi/SACBN/Cu solder joint shows the highest shear strength. Originality/value This work suppresses the interfacial brittleness of the SnBi/Cu solder joint after isothermal aging by adding Sn-Ag-x leveling layers on the Cu pads. It provides a way to improve the mechanical performances of the SnBi solder joint.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document