Corrosion behaviour of Sn-9Zn-xS solders in 3.5 wt-% NaCl solution

Abstract

The effects of S addition on the corrosion behaviour of Sn-9Zn solders in 3.5 wt-% NaCl solution were investigated using dynamic potential polarisation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques and weight loss measurement. The results indicate that S addition could obviously improve the corrosion resistance of Sn-9Zn solder alloy as revealed by much lower corrosion current density, higher impedance and the reduced weight loss. It is believed that the homogeneous microstructures of Sn-9Zn, especially the black refined Zn-rich phases are favourable to improve its corrosion resistance. SEM observations found that S addition might promote the formation of denser and more uniform corrosion products on the solder surface. The main corrosion product was Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O determined by EDS and XRD analysis.