I want to know the temperature (or temperature range) at which the tantalum pentoxide dielectric in solid tantalum capacitors converts (or begins to convert) from the amorphous to the crystalline (current leaking) state. Do any of you know or know where I can find this documented? The practical relevance of this is in assuring that excess heat is not applied to surface mount tantalum capacitors when touch up or repair is required (i.e. where soldering irons, tweezers or hot air is used). The manufacturers do recommend one not apply excessive heat (of course cracking may also occur due to different coefficients of thermal expansion, uneven heating etc.). I would really like to know the specific temperature(s) for the amorphous/crystalline conversion and where that is documented if possible. Thanks for any clues you may have. ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5365 ##############################################################