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October 2008

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From:
"Gumpert, Ben" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
TechNet E-Mail Forum <[log in to unmask]>, Gumpert, Ben
Date:
Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:27:04 -0400
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Dave,
 
I guess I wasn't clear. I'm not concerned with the Sn/Cu and Sn/Ni IMCs
that initially form at the interfaces of the joint. I'm concerned with
the ternary IMCs containing AU (such as Au0.5Ni0.5Sn4) that can form
over time/temp along the joint interface.
 
reference:
http://physics.binghamton.edu/pub/cottsectc.pdf
 
This paper indicates that there can be long term effects to the solder
joint, even if there is less than 3-4 wt% Au.
 
Ben

________________________________

From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]

Sent: Friday, October 24, 2008 3:12 PM
To: TechNet E-Mail Forum; Gumpert, Ben
Subject: Re: [TN] Au embrittlement on Copper vs Nickel



Hi Ben - the major difference between the Au/Sn intermetallic (IMC), the
Sn/Cu IMC and the Sn/Ni IMC is the structure of the IMC itself. All IMCs
are brittle materials in comparison to solder joints. Both the Sn/Cu and
Sn/Ni IMCs form as coherent structured layers at the interface between
the pwb plated surface and the solder joint. The Au/Sn IMC is a
needle-like or block-like structure that is located in the solder joint
matrix or forms at the pwb plated surface/solder joint interface then
intrudes into the solder joint matrix.  That explanation is very very
simplified (and yes, there are some other forms of the Sn/Cu and Sn/Ni I
am leaving out) but it gives you a relative idea on how the IMC
structures differ. These IMC structure differences result in very
different cracking modes.  Also, you must form either the Sn/Cu or Sn/Ni
IMC to have a proper solder joint. The Au/Sn IMC forms only when you get
approximately 3-4 wt% Au in the solder joint matrix and is not necessary
for good solder joint formation.  Hope this helps. 

Dave 



"Gumpert, Ben" <[log in to unmask]> 
Sent by: TechNet <[log in to unmask]> 

10/24/2008 01:03 PM 
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Re: [TN] Au embrittlement on Copper vs Nickel

	




Dave,

I'll see if I can track down a copy of the AWS Soldering Handbook, but
the IPC-STD-001 HDBK doesn't go into the detail that I'm looking for.

Are you differentiating between the brittleness caused by AuSn4 in the
bulk solder and the brittle intermetallic layer that tends to form with
aging of the joint? I can understand the bulk solder brittleness being
the same, but are you saying that the effect of Au on the strength of
the intermetallic layer is not significantly different?

Ben


________________________________

From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]

Sent: Friday, October 24, 2008 11:29 AM
To: TechNet E-Mail Forum; Gumpert, Ben
Cc: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] Au embrittlement on Copper vs Nickel



Hi Ben - gold embrittlement is a function of the amount of gold in the
solder joint and not dependent on the pwb pad being copper or nickel.
The IPC-STD-001 Handbook has a very good and short tutorial on gold
embrittlement in section 5.4.1.1 on page 63/64 which would be useful.
Also, there is good coverage of the topic in the AWS Soldering Handbook,
section 2.2 Contamination, pages 182-183. FYI - the AWS Soldering
Handbook, ISBN 0-87171-618-6, edited by Dr. Paul Vianco, Sandia National
Labs, is one of those references that everyone must have on their desks
(IMHO). It covers a huge range of solder and soldering process topics in
a well written format. 

Dave Hillman 
Rockwell Collins 
[log in to unmask] 



"Gumpert, Ben" <[log in to unmask]> 
Sent by: TechNet <[log in to unmask]> 

10/24/2008 09:58 AM 
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TechNet E-Mail Forum <[log in to unmask]>; Please respond to
"Gumpert, Ben" <[log in to unmask]>


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[TN] Au embrittlement on Copper vs Nickel

                




Technetters,

Anyone care to share some comments on Au embrittlement?
Specifically, what is the relative difference between joints on copper
vs nickel? (For a SnPb joint)

Does Cu inhibit AuSn4 from forming in the bulk solder? Does this have
any effect on Au in the intermetallic layer?
Do the intermetallic compounds containing Au of each joint result in a
similar brittleness?
Do the joints have the same propensity for growth of intermetallic
compounds containing Au?

Any thoughts are welcome.
Ben



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