Conventional Casting Method Research Articles

Comparing Properties of Variable Pore-Sized 3D-Printed PLA Membrane with Conventional PLA Membrane for Guided Bone/Tissue Regeneration.

The aim of this study was to fabricate bioresorbable polylactide (PLA) membranes by 3D printing and compare their properties to those of the membranes fabricated by the conventional method and compare the effect of different pore sizes on the properties of the 3D-printed membranes. PLA membranes with three different pore sizes (large pore-479 μm, small pore-273 μm, and no pore) were 3D printed, and membranes fabricated using the conventional solvent casting method were used as the control group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) were taken to observe the morphology and obtain the porosity of the four groups. A tensile test was performed to compare the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break of the membranes. Preosteoblast cells were cultured on the membranes for 1, 3 and 7 days, followed by a WST assay and SEM, to examine the cell proliferation on different groups. As a result, the 3D-printed membranes showed superior mechanical properties to those of the solvent cast membranes, and the 3D-printed membranes exhibited different advantageous mechanical properties depending on the different pore sizes. The various fabrication methods and pore sizes did not have significantly different effects on cell growth. It is proven that 3D printing is a promising method for the fabrication of customized barrier membranes used in GBR/GTR.

Evolution of Micro Structural and Mechanical Properties of Al-10 Wt. % Cu Alloy Processed Through Centrifugal Casting at Different Rotational Speeds of the Die

Aluminium and its alloys normally solidify as columnar structure with finer grain size which results in improved microstructure and good mechanical strength. Al-10 wt. % cu alloy was produced using centrifugal casting technique by varying the rotating speed of the die on the time of solidification. The microstructure and mechanical behaviour are affected greatly by the solidification rate. In centrifugal casting faster solidification rate obtained compared to that of conventional casting (stir) method even though many parameters directly effect the solidification and the parameters may be listed as die wall thickness, temperature of pouring the metal in the molten state and the die rotating speed. This paper focus on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-10 wt.% cu alloy processed at various die rotational speeds of 700 rpm, 800 rpm and 900 rpm. Since rotational speed has direct effect on solidification, microstructure, hardness and tensile strength. The result shows that microstructure variation shows morphological changes of the secondary phase (Al2Cu) phase by decreasing in porosity. On the other hand mechanical properties, increases hardness values 97±52, 87±39 and 114±32 Mpa, and tensile strength is 56±5, 60±7 and 64±9 Mpa as compared to the lower casting speed at 700 rpm.

Characterization of aluminium matrix compositesreinforced by Al–Cu–Fe-Cr quasicrystalline particles

The Al63Cu25Fe9Cr3 quasicrystalline was prepared by conventional casting method. The microstructures and phase composition of Al63Cu25Fe12 quasi-crystalline and Al65Cu20Fe10Cr5 phases were characterized by XRD and SEM. Aluminium based composites was fabricated by using the Al63Cu25Fe9Cr3 quasicrystalline particles as the reinforcing phase and ZL101 as matrix with mechanical stirring. The effects of quasicrystals content, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the obtained composite, were investigated. The results show that the as-cast quasicrystalline material is composed of d-phase(Al65Cu20Fe10Cr5), I-phase(Al63Cu25Fe12), λ-Al3Fe, β-AlFe3 and a small amount of η-AlCu, θ-Al2Cu phases. After heat treatment, the quasicrystalline intermediate alloy composition tends to quasicrystal phase. In the composite material, the diffusion between the quasicrystalline and the matrix alloy caused the decomposition of the structure of quasicrystalline phase. With the increase of quasicrystalline content, the tensile strength of the composites increases. However, addition of the Cr element changes the acicular β-Fe(Al80-85Fe6-9Si10-15) phase into a man-like or bone-like α-Fe(Al80-85Fe4-8Si6-8Cr3-5) phase which increases the elongation of the composite. The best comprehensive mechanical properties corresponded to the 7 wt% quasicrystalline particles. Strengthening mechanism of quasicrystal reinforced aluminum matrix composites, a model that model considers the dislocation strengthening mechanism and the effect of load transfers mechanism on the tensile strength of composites. This theory calculates the tensile strength of quasicrystalline reinforced aluminum matrix composites and verifies the effectiveness of the model through experiments.

Investigations on mechanical and wear behavior of nano Al2O3 particulates reinforced AA7475 alloy composites

In the present investigation synthesis, microstructure, mechanical and wear behavior of 5 weight percentage of nano Al2O3 particulate reinforced AA7475 alloy composites has been reported. AA7475 matrix composite containing nano Al2O3 were fabricated by conventional stir casting method. The microstructures of the composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Further, mechanical and wear behavior of as cast AA7475 alloy and AA7475 - 5 wt. % nano Al2O3 composites were studied. Mechanical properties like hardness, ultimate, yield strength and percentage elongation were evaluated as per ASTM standards. Pin on disc apparatus was used to conduct the dry sliding wear tests. The experiments were conducted by varying loads and constant sliding speed of 300rpm for sliding distance of 4000m. Microstructural observation revealed the uniform distribution of particles in the AA7475 alloy matrix. From the analysis, it was found that the hardness, ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of composites were increased due to addition of nano Al2O3 particle in the AA7475 alloy matrix. Percentage elongation of the composite decreased in 5 wt. % nano Al2O3 reinforced composites. Further, the volumetric wear loss was found to increase with the load and sliding distance for all materials. Worn surface analysis made by using scanning electron micrographs to know the various mechanisms involved in the wear process.

AZ61 and AZ61-La Alloys as Anodes for Mg-Air Battery

AZ61 and AZ61-0.5La (wt.%) alloys are prepared by the conventional casting method and then, AZ61 and AZ61-0.5La alloy sheets are obtained with multi-pass hot rolling. Microstructures and electrochemical properties of four alloys are investigated, and discharge properties are tested by an assembled Mg-air battery using alloy anode sheets with a dimension of 70 × 100 × 2.5 mm. Results show that Al11La3 phases are formed in as-cast AZ61-0.5La alloy and promote the grain refinement and the formation of uniform microstructure in as-rolled AZ61-0.5La alloy. As-rolled AZ61-0.5La alloy exhibits a weak self-corrosion tendency but a strong discharge activity. After discharge test for 5 h, the Mg-air battery based on the as-rolled AZ61-0.5La sheet can provide the maximum power output of 1.625 W, and as-rolled AZ61-0.5La anode can supply the maximum energy density of 1417 mWhg−1. In addition, the relationship between microstructures and discharge properties is sufficiently described and discussed in this paper.

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of Al7075/BN metal matrix composites prepared by conventional casting method

The research article addresses to improve the mechanical behaviour of the Al 7075 composites like tensile, surface roughness (SR) and thrust force fabricated by conventional stir casting process with a modernized three step stirring method. Boron Nitride particles are reinforced with varying wt% of 3, 6 and 9 respectively. Boron Nitride particles are characterized using metallurgical microscopy (MM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) & Energy Dispersive x-ray Analysis (EDAX). The density and hardness of the samples are determined using Archimedes principle and micro hardness testing machine. Drilling experiments are conducted for the prepared composites. Fully carbide drill bit is used for the entire experiment with varying input parameters such as (Speed, Feed & Point of angle). The results reveal that the surface roughness is decreased due to the presence of hard ceramic phase. The tensile behaviour of the composites is increased when compared with the base material. Further the tensile fractography and drill worn surface is analyzed using SEM.

Detecting the influence of heat sources on material properties when producing aviation parts by a direct energy deposition method

Quality of the material obtained by the method of direct energy deposition using three heat sources (plasma arc, electric welding arc and welding arc with cold metal transfer) was studied. AlMg5 alloy wire was used as the filler material. The study was conducted to establish at what heat source the deposited material will have the highest physical and mechanical characteristics and performance. It was also necessary to assess quality, size and uniformity of distribution of the deposited layers since these indicators determine accuracy of the resulting product and make it possible to reduce machining allowance. Influence of heat sources on formation of surface of deposited plates was revealed: the specimens obtained by the method of plasma surfacing had protrusion height of the deposited layers on the side surface up to 2 mm, the specimens obtained by the method of electric arc and CMT surfacing had protrusion height of 0.5 mm. The obtained data will enable determination of the minimum allowable machining allowance. Analysis of chemical composition has shown that each heat source ensured chemical composition of the finished product corresponding to chemical composition of original material. Distribution of alloying elements was uniform among the deposited layers. However, the CMT process provided the most accurate distribution of alloying elements. Physical and mechanical properties of the plates obtained by the direct growth method were approximately at the same level with the materials obtained using conventional methods of casting and pressing. The specimens obtained by the method of plasma surfacing had the highest values of mechanical properties: σ t =28 MPa; σ 0.2 =15 MPa; δ=30.4 % which can be explained by a more dispersed structure and a high level of fusion of the deposited layers. The obtained data will make it possible to determine which heat source is more expedient to use in order to obtain properties necessary for a concrete technological process. They also make it possible to evaluate applicability of the method of direct growth using arc heat sources in mass production of parts

A new concept of MOF-based PMM by modification of conventional dense film casting method: Significant impact on the performance of FO process

The fabrication methods of FO membranes are always ready for a revolution. Here we present an efficient strategy to fabricate a novel integral thin-film based porous matrix membrane (TF-PMM). The goal of this study is to fabricate a TF-PMM by modifying conventional dense film casting method, using magnetic water-unstable MOFs as pore former. The MOF and TF-PMMs were characterized by FTIR, TGA, PXRD, DLS, FESEM, ImageJ software, contact angle, ICP, and FO experiments. The effect of structure parameters (S) on the performance of the TF-PMM was also investigated. Based on experimental results, the type of polymer, type of solvent, type of MOF, concentration of polymer solutions, MOF loading (wt.%), the particle size of MOF, drying temperature, and a suitable activation process have a direct effect on the quality of TF-PMM. The TF-PMM represents a remarkable water flux of about 117 and 98 L/m2.h for Caspian seawater desalination and orange juice concentration, while the FO water flux for DI water as the feed solution was approximately 141 L/m2.h. Also, in comparison with many recent FO membranes, the TF-PMM exhibited high perm-selectivity. The results of membrane cleaning showed the excellent potential of reusing the TF-PMM with the continuous cleaning process.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of an aluminum alloy reinforced by Al–Ni–Co–Mn quasi-crystalline

The Al72Ni13Co10Mn5 quasi-crystalline was prepared by conventional casting method. The microstructures and the phase composition of Al72Ni12Co16 quasi-crystalline, Al70Ni11Co12Mn7 and Al2Ni phases were characterized by XRD, SEM and DSC. The (Al72Ni13Co10Mn5)p/ZL101A aluminium based composite was fabricated by using the Al72Ni13Co10Mn5 quasicrystals particles as the reinforcing phase and ZL101A as the matrix with electromagnetic stirring. The results showed that the Al72Ni13Co10Mn5 is a QC(quasi-crystalline) phase and the hardness of Al72Ni13Co10Mn5 is higher than d-Al72Ni12Co16; the as-cast (Al72Ni13Co10Mn5)p/ZL101A composites are composed of α-Al, eutectic Si, θ, γ and φ phase. With the increase of reinforcing particle fraction, the changed order for the morphology of coralline Si as follows: coral distribution → partially converted into strips → strip or thick sheet. The changes of mechanical properties were studied by tensile test and the resulting crystalline phase γ and φ phases contribute to the improvement of the mechanical properties of the composite. After adding 4%wt% quasicrystalline particles, the tensile strength increased by 20.3%. However, when additional increased to 7 wt% will cause agglomeration and clusters of the θ phase, which leads to the decrease of the mechanical properties.

Effects of the rare earth element lanthanum on the metal-ceramic bond strength of dental casting Co-Cr alloys

Statement of problemThe metal-ceramic bond strength of dental casting Co-Cr alloys may be improved by the addition of the rare earth element lanthanum (La), but studies are lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of the rare earth element La on the metal-ceramic bond strength of dental casting Co-Cr alloys. Material and methodsFour groups of specimens with different La content (0; 0.02 wt%; 0.04 wt%; 0.06 wt%) were prepared using conventional casting methods. The metal-ceramic bond strength was assessed by using the 3-point bend test. The microstructures were characterized by metallurgical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The morphology and element distribution of metal-ceramic interfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results of bond strengths were statistically analyzed by the Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) test (α=.05). ResultsThe specimens showed typical dendritic microstructures, few defects, and island-shaped intermetallic compounds rich in Mo and Cr, mainly consisting of α-Co phase of a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure and ε-Co phase of a close-packed hexagonal (HCP) structure. As the amount of La increased, the thickness of the native oxide layer and the diffusion layer at the interface increased, and the wettability between the oxide layer and the metal matrix improved. The mean ±standard deviation values of the metal-ceramic bond strengths were 28.11 ±4.53 MPa for group 0%, 33.13 ±5.65 MPa for group 0.02%, 37.48 ±7.86 MPa for group 0.04%, and 40.70 ±5.17 MPa for group 0.06%. The statistical analysis indicated that significant differences (P<.05) were observed among all groups tested, except for group 0.04% and 0.06% (P>.05). The debonded surfaces of Co-Cr specimens showed a mixed type of adhesive and cohesive fractures. ConclusionsThe microstructures, morphologies, and compositions of oxide films were influenced by the La content, and the La addition could significantly improve the metal-ceramic bond strength of dental casting Co-Cr alloys.

Influence and effect on properties with particulate additions in Al-Mg-X alloys – A Review

Abstract Aluminium metal matrix composites reinforced by various particulate are very potential materials, suitable for numerous automotive and structural applications. These composites consist of aluminium based metal matrix filled with different particles exhibiting mechanical and physical properties very different from those of the matrix. The reinforced particles can enhance the nature of the base material in terms of strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, damping properties and thermal properties. Different combinations of Al-Mg-X are employed for the production of useful composites reinforced by various particles like graphite, carbides, oxides and various metallic and non metallic particles in the range of micro and nano scales. The conventional casting methods are not suitable for this type of synthesis as the poor wettability of the reinforced particulate in the base Al-Mg-X alloy, which is the important aspect to be considered. To overcome this issue various alternative routes are available in the literature, which are not meeting the current requirement in finding the solutions for many challenges particularly in automotive and structural sectors. This review focused on the influence and effect on properties with particulate additions in Al-Mg-X alloy. Particularly on strengthening possibilities and ageing characteristics of the base alloy on addition of particles of various metallic, non metallic and High Entropy Alloys (HEAs).

Comparative clinical study of the marginal discrepancy of fixed dental prosthesis fabricated by the milling-sintering method using a presintered alloy.

PURPOSEThe present study was designed to examine the clinical fit of fixed dental prosthesis fabricated by the milling-sintering method using a presintered cobalt-chromium alloy.MATERIALS AND METHODSTwo single metal-ceramic crowns were fabricated via milling-sintering method and casting method in each of the twelve consecutive patients who required an implant-supported fixed prosthesis. In the milling-sintering method, the prosthetic coping was designed in computer software, and the design was converted to a non-precious alloy coping using milling and post-sintering process. In the casting method, the conventional manual fabrication process was applied. The absolute marginal discrepancy of the prostheses was evaluated intraorally using the triple-scan technique. Statistical analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney U test (α=.05).RESULTSEight patients (66.7%) showed a lower marginal discrepancy of the prostheses made using the milling-sintering method than that of the prosthesis made by the casting method. Statistically, the misfit of the prosthesis fabricated using the milling-sintering method was not significantly different from that fabricated using the casting method (P=.782). There was no tendency between the amount of marginal discrepancy and the measurement point.CONCLUSIONThe overall marginal fit of prosthesis fabricated by milling-sintering using a presintered alloy was comparable to that of the prosthesis fabricated by the conventional casting method in clinical use.

Brief Evolution Story and some Basic Limitations of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) – A Review

Abstract High entropy alloys (HEAs) are the area of youngest in regard materials and manufacturing focus as if we consider a century of development of alloys in the chronological order of age span of steels to super alloys. Some authors called them as Multi-component alloys (MCAs) while some as High strength alloys (HSAs). Of course, many investigators called them as Compositionally Complex Alloys (CCAs) as the name indicates the complexity in understanding the behavior of them. Hardly 12 to 15 years ago has the research in this area initiated. The HEAs area opens a wide spectrum of research space for work on newer materials. Due to over whelmed exhibition in mechanical, structural, electrical and chemical properties of the HEAs, the researchers deliberately adopt and exploring newer ideas and combinations of techniques for further findings in depth of emerging development in this novel area. Not readily the HEAs can comprise through conventional or stir casting, powder metallurgy, and surface-coating like conventional methods, nevertheless eventually covers many modern technical methods like stir-friction welding, rapid solidifying methods, extrusion reciprocation, spray-forming methods, spark plasma sintering technique, nano-material forming, thermo-mechanical and chemical treatments etc., in a wider range of applications. For a special intended application of a rare area with stringent need, with no doubt a specific proper alloying of elemental composition under suitable processing method, a HEA can meet the need of properties of that particular stringent case. Ultimate aim of development of HEAs may not only meet the specific need of application in sever conditions, also provide longer life with enhanced service which in turn may reduce the cost of production, production time and even afford energy saving. In this paper, some of the cases of HEAs which suits specific applications as well as some production techniques which reveals whether there is the near or mere toil or fearful toil involved for their effective preparatione.

Microstructure, phase transformations and properties’ evaluation of Al-Si-Ni metastable alloys

Abstract Additive manufacturing is a technology which has the potential to replace conventional casting methods. The versatility delivered by this process is of great interest, mainly due to the capacity to manufacture complex shapes, as well as the multitude of materials which can be used. Generally, the metallic powders used in additive manufacturing are obtained by gas atomization, meaning that the alloys solidify rapidly from the melt pool. This phenomenon determines both the improvement of mechanical properties, due to the finishing of the structure, as well as potentially obtaining metastable structures in the form of supersaturated or amorphous/nano solid solutions. Aluminium-based metallic glasses are of interest due to their combined high specific strength to weight ratio, good ductility and superior corrosion resistance. The paper presents results concerning the microstructural evolution for bulk, melt-spun ribbons. Al-Si-Ni alloys (Al70-Si18-Ni12, Al68-Si18-Ni14,Al66-Si18-Ni16). It was observed that structural transformations during heating, starting from metastable structures (melt-spun ribbons), generate significant amounts of energy. This phenomenon could be of practical importance in the use of metallic powders in additive manufacturing technology.

Effects of Pb on microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of as-cast Mg97Zn1Y2 alloys

In this present work, Pb was applied in the Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy to improve its microstructure and properties, using conventional casting methods. The microstructure and properties of the Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy and Mg97Zn1Y2-xPb(x=0.6wt.%, 1.2wt.% and 1.8wt.%) alloys were observed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy method and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, hardness and strength measurement and electrochemical testing. After adding Pb to the Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy, a new particle phase Mg2Pb was identified along the grain boundaries, and dendrites were refined. In addtion, the hardness of Mg97Zn1Y2-xPb(x=0.6wt.%, 1.2wt.% and 1.8wt.%) alloys was higher than that of the Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy; with the increase of Pb content, the hardness of the alloy increased first and then decreased, followed by a final slight increase, and reached a maximum of 89.1 HV when the Pb content was 0.6wt.%. The strength of the alloy increased first and then decreased as the Pb content increased. Moreover, adding a small amount of Pb to the alloy can effectively inhibit corrosion, and Mg97Zn1Y2-0.6wt.%Pb exhibits the best corrosion resistance ability.

Evaluation of Marginal Fits of Crown Substructure Designs in Implant-Supported Abutments.

BackgroundThe purpose of this clinical study was to compare the marginal adaptation of infrastructure design with 4 different techniques.Material/MethodsForty tissue-level implant abutments (NTA, Shorter) were inserted on implant analogs. The samples were placed randomly in the wax blocks in the arch form of the upper jaw so that there would be 10 in each group. Test samples were obtained using the conventional casting method (CC), milling from metal blocks method (MB), direct metal laser sintering method (LS), and Noritake Alliance (NA) system. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with t tests.ResultAfter porcelain oven-drying, marginal gaps of metal substructures obtained by using conventional casting and milling methods were observed to decrease. The smallest value of the marginal gaps was found in the Noritake (NA) system, and the largest value in the milling (MB) method before and after oven-drying. The marginal gap of the direct metal laser sintering method was not significantly different from the change in the marginal gap of other metal substructures (p>0.05).ConclusionsThe marginal gap of the substructures obtained using the direct metal laser sintering method was not significantly different from the change in marginal gap of other metal substructures (p>0.05).

Titanium clasp fabricated by selective laser melting, CNC milling, and conventional casting: a comparative in vitro study

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effects of selective laser melting (SLM), milling methods, and casting on the behavior of titanium clasp. MethodsThe clasp and its die simulating the molar were designed using 3D software. Clasp specimens were fabricated using SLM approaches (SLM Ti) and computerized numerical control (CNC) milling technology (Milling CPTi). Cast clasps of the same forms were also prepared as controls using titanium alloy powder (Cast Ti) and commercial pure titanium (Cast CPTi), following the conventional casting methods. The surface roughness and accuracy of clasps were analyzed. The changes in retentive force and permanent deformation were measured up to 10,000 insertion/removal cycles. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test or Kruskal–Wallis H test were performed for data analysis and comparisons. ResultsThe Milling CPTi clasps had a smoother inner surface than the other groups (p<0.05). The accuracy of the inner surface showed no significant difference among the groups, whereas that of the outer surface showed significant differences (p<0.05). The SLM Ti clasp had significantly higher retentive forces than the other groups (p<0.05), but it rapidly reduced after 2000 insertion/removal cycles until the fracture of all specimens was at 4000 cycles. The Milling CPTi clasps had more permanent deformation, but the rate of reduction of retentive force was only 9.5% (at 10,000 cycles). ConclusionsMilling has the potential to replace casting for fabricating removable partial denture (RPD) titanium clasps. However, SLM should be further improved for fabricating RPD titanium clasps before clinical application.

Investigation of carbon contamination in lost foam castings of low carbon steel

Lost foam casting (LFC) process is a special casting method in which polymeric foam patterns with refractory coatings are utilized as a mould component. In this work, four types of foam: expandable polyethylene (EPE), expandable polypropylene (EPP) and expandable polystyrene (EPS) foams with two different densities were employed as pattern materials. LFC and conventional green sand mould casting methods were used to cast a low carbon steel, A216 Grade WCB. Both casting processes were carried out at 1,580 °C. Chemical analysis results showed that the carbon contamination level was high and was influenced by pattern type. Metallographic investigations revealed a significant increase in the percentage of pearlite phase in all LFC samples. Densities of manufactured samples were calculated in order to evaluate porosity of the products. It was determined that the densities of the LFC samples were lower than the green sand mould cast reference sample (RS). Vickers hardness tests were also carried out and increments in hardness values with increased carbon content was observed.

Effect of heat treatments on mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of MgY3Zn2Al magnesium alloy

MgY3Zn2Al alloy with long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase was prepared by conventional casting method, and then was T4 heat treated at 400, 430 and 460 °C. The optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to analyze the microstructure of the alloy after heat treated at different temperature. Tensile tests were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the alloy. The immersion and electrochemical experiments with 3.5% NaCl solution were used to evaluate the corrosion behavior of the alloy. The results showed that the amount of grain boundary LPSO phase decreased with increasing of the heat treatment temperature. The plasticity of MgY3Zn2Al alloy after heat treatment is significantly increased compared with that of as-cast state, and appropriate heat treatment temperature can increase the strength of the alloy. The corrosion resistance of the alloy was the best at as-cast state, while heat treatment could decrease the corrosion resistance of the alloy apparently.

Microstructure, Interfacial IMC and Wettability of Sn-0.7Cu-xZn Solder Alloy

In this study, the effect of Zinc (Zn) addition on microstructure, interfacial IMC and wettability properties of Sn-0.7Cu lead free solder alloy was investigated. The addition of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt.% Zn into Sn-0.7Cu was developed by using conventional casting method. The result revealed that the addition of Zn has refined the β-Sn phase. The thickness of interfacial IMC decreased with 0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% Zn addition but increased after 1.5 wt.% of Zn was added. The wettability of Sn-0.7Cu also improved by the Zn addition. It can be concluded that a small amount of Zn addition up to 1.0 wt.% decreased the thickness of IMC and improved the wettability. However, when 1.5 wt.% Zn was added, the interfacial IMC and wettability become worse.