ENHANCING MECHANICAL RESPONSE OF A 96.5Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu SOLDER USING ENERGY EFFICIENT MICROWAVE ASSISTED SINTERING ROUTE

摘要

In the present study, the effects of conventional sintering and two-directional microwave assisted rapid sintering on the microstructure and tensile properties of a commercial lead-free solder (96.5Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu) are investigated. Conventional sintering was conducted on solder samples in an inert Argon atmosphere, whilst microwave sintering was carried out on the samples under ambient conditions. Two sintering temperatures of 150°Cand 210°C were investigated. Microwave sintered samples exhibited lower porosity and more refined matrix grain size. Tensile results of microwave sintered samples also revealed superior strength (0.2% YS and UTS) when compared to conventionally sintered samples. Furthermore, results showed that samples microwave sintered at 210°C yielded the best combination of mechanical properties.