Effects of In and Sb addition on the thermal and wetting behavior of Sn-3.5Ag solder

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of In and Sb additions on the thermal behavior and wettability of Sn-3.5Ag-xIn-ySb (x = 0, 1.0 and 1.5 Wt.%, y = 0, 1.0, 1.4 and 2.1 Wt.%) solder alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal behavior of the Pb-free solder alloys was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. Wetting balance experiments were performed in accordance with the IPC standard, IPC-TM-650 and at a temperature of 260°C. Also, a solder spread test was performed on a Cu surface finish using the JIS-Z-3197 solderability standard.

Findings

It is shown that among the selected Sn-3.5Ag-xIn-ySb (x = 0, 1.0 and 1.5 Wt.%, y = 0, 1.0, 1.4 and 2.1 Wt.%) alloys, Sn-3.5Ag-1.5In-1Sb showed the lowest melting point and the lowest undercooling temperature. The best wettability was achieved when the In and Sb contents were approximately 1.5 and 1.0 Wt.%, respectively. The effect of the combined addition of In and Sb on solder spreadability on a Cu substrate was also demonstrated.

Originality/value

It was found that adding approximately 1.5 and 1.0 Wt.% of In and Sb, respectively, in Sn-3.5Ag solder provided the best wetting performance and improved the solder spreadability.

Citation

Hasnine, M. (2018), "Effects of In and Sb addition on the thermal and wetting behavior of Sn-3.5Ag solder", Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 233-240. https://doi.org/10.1108/SSMT-02-2018-0007