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The influence of copper nanopowders on microstructure and hardness of lead-tin solder

  • D. Lin
  • , G. X. Wang
  • , T. S. Srivatsan
  • , Meslet Al-Hajri
  • , M. Petraroli
  • University of Akron
  • Timken Company

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents the microstructure and hardness of composite solders obtained by the addition of nanopowders of copper to a conventional solder. Copper powders-reinforced lead (Pb)-tin (Sn) composite solders were prepared by thoroughly blending nano-sized copper powders (average powder particle size 100 nm) with a powder of a eutectic solder and using a water-soluble flux. The blended solder paste was melted and allowed to re-solidify in a crucible placed on a hot plate and maintained at a constant temperature. Optical microscopy observations revealed the as-solidified microstructure of the composite solder to be altered by the addition of nanopowders to the eutectic Sn-Pb solder. The copper powders precipitated as intermetallic compounds that were non-uniformly distributed through the microstructure. Microhardness measurements revealed a 30-40% increase in hardness of the composite solder over the conventional unreinforced eutectic counterpart.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)333-338
Number of pages6
JournalMaterials Letters
Volume53
Issue number4-5
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2002

Keywords

  • Composite solder
  • Copper nanopowders
  • Microhardness
  • Microstructure
  • Sn-Pb eutectic

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