Wetting of Sn-Zn-Ga and Sn-Zn-Na Alloys on Al and Ni Substrate

Abstract

Wetting of Al and Ni substrate by Sn-Zn eutectic-based alloys with 0.5 (wt.%) of Ga and 0.2 (wt.%) of Na was studied using the sessile drop method in the presence of ALU33® flux. Spreading tests were performed for 60 s, 180 s, and 480 s of contact, at temperatures of 503 K, 523 K and 553 K (230°C, 250°C, and 280°C). After cleaning the flux residue from solidified samples, the spreading areas of Sn-Zn0.5Ga and Sn-Zn0.2Na on Al and Ni substrate were determined. Selected, solidified solder-pad couples were cross-sectioned and subjected to scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction study and synchrotron measurements of the interfacial microstructure and identification of the phases. The growth of the intermetallic Ni5Zn21 phase layer was studied at the solder/Ni substrate interface, and the kinetics of the formation and growth of the intermetallic layer were determined. The formation of interlayers was not observed on the Al pads. On the contrary, dissolution of the Al substrate and migration of Al-rich particles into the bulk of the solder were observed.