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Correlation of intermetallic compound growth behavior and melt state of Sn–3.5Ag–3.5Bi/Cu joint during soldering and isothermal aging

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Abstract

The intermetallic compound (IMC) growth behavior of Sn–3.5Ag–3.5Bi/Cu joint was investigated with a change in the solder melt structure during soldering and 180 °C isothermal aging. The results show that when the solders undergo liqiud–liquid structure transition (LLST), the IMC of the joint is thinner and more evenly distributed during soldering. The interface IMC is also thinner, and the quantity of Ag3Sn as well as Cu6Sn5 in the solder is relatively lower. However, the IMCs are more bulky after long-time aging at 180 °C. When the solders do not undergo LLST, microcracks form in the solder. Kirkendall voids are more abundant and interconnected after long, high-temperature aging. This finding indicates better joint reliability after than before LLST. The growth rate constants of the interface IMC for the two kinds of joints are calculated to be 1.94 × 10−12 and 9.71 × 10−13. The correlation of IMC growth behavior and melt state is analyzed from the viewpoints of LLST and atom diffusion.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 50571033), and by the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province (No. 070414178), and HFUT Research and Development Funds (No. 2009HGXJ0090).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaoyun Li, Fangqiu Zu, Zhongyue Huang, Chong Wang & Wenjin Zhang

  2. Engineering Training Center, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaoyun Li

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  1. Xiaoyun Li
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Correspondence to Fangqiu Zu.

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Li, X., Zu, F., Huang, Z. et al. Correlation of intermetallic compound growth behavior and melt state of Sn–3.5Ag–3.5Bi/Cu joint during soldering and isothermal aging. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 24, 1231–1237 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-012-0912-5

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