Investigation on the Microstructure, Interfacial IMC Layer, and Mechanical Properties of Cu/Sn-0.7Cu-xNi/Cu Solder Joints

摘要

Sn-0.7Cu-xNi composite solder has been fabricated via mechanical mixing of different weight percentages of Ni particles with Sn-0.7Cu solder paste, and the effect of the Ni concentration on the microstructure, wettability, and tensile properties of Cu/Sn-0.7Cu-xNi/Cu solder joints investigated. The results show that refined dot-shaped particles of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are uniformly dispersed in a primary beta-Sn matrix in the Cu/Sn-0.7Cu-(0.05-0.1)Ni/Cu solder joints. The interfacial IMC layer thickness increased slightly when adding Ni content to 0.05 wt.%, then rapidly when further increasing the Ni concentration to 0.4 wt.%. Excellent wettability with bright appearance was obtained for the Sn-0.7Cu-0.05Ni solder due to diminished interfacial tension. The tensile properties improved after adding Ni content to 0.05 wt.% due to the presence of the refined dot-like IMC particles, in agreement with theoretical predictions based on the combination of dispersion and grain-refinement strengthening mechanisms. Refined microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties were obtained for the Cu/Sn-0.7Cu-0.05Ni/Cu solder joint.