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Title: Effect of Ni layer thickness and soldering time on intermetallic compound formation at the interface between molten Sn-3.5Ag and Ni/Cu substrate

Journal Article · · Journal of Electronic Materials

The binary eutectic Sn-3.5wt.%Ag alloy was soldered on the Ni/Cu plate at 250 C, the thickness of the Ni layer changing from 0 through 2 and 4 {micro}m to infinity, and soldering time changing from 30 to 120 s at intervals of 30 s. The infinite thickness was equivalent to the bare Ni plate. The morphology, composition and phase identification of the intermetallic compound (IMC, hereafter) formed at the interface were examined. Depending on the initial Ni thickness, different IMC phases were observed at 30 s: Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} on bare Cu, detestable NiSn{sub 3} + Ni{sub 3}Sn{sub 4} on Ni(2 {micro}m)/Cu, Ni{sub 3}Sn{sub 4} on Ni(4 {micro}m)/Cu, and Ni{sub 3}Sn + Ni{sub 3}Sn{sub 4} on bare Ni. With increased soldering time, a Cu-Sn-based {eta}-(Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5}){sub 1{minus}x}Ni{sub x} phase formed under the pre-formed Ni-Sn IMC layer both at 60s in the Ni(2 {micro}m)/Cu plate and at 90s in the Ni(4 {micro}m)/Cu plate. The two-layer IMC pattern remained thereafter. The wetting behavior of each joint was different and it may have resulted from the type of IMC formed on each plate. The thickness of the protective Ni layer over the Cu plate was found to be an important factor in determining the interfacial reaction and the wetting behavior.

Research Organization:
Korea Advanced Inst. of Science and Technology, Taejon (KR)
OSTI ID:
20001751
Journal Information:
Journal of Electronic Materials, Vol. 28, Issue 11; Conference: InterconnectPACK: Interconnections for Electronic Packaging, San Diego, CA (US), 02/28/1999--03/04/1999; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1999
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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