Soldering of Passive Components Using Sn Nanoparticle Reinforced Solder Paste: Influence on Microstructure and Joint Strength

In this study, the effects of adding Sn nanopowder (particle size < 150 nm) to three solder pastes SAC3-X(H)F3+, SCAN-Ge071-XF3+, and water washable WW50-SAC3 are evaluated regarding microstructure, morphology, joint strength, and electrical resistance. The nanopowder was added at a rate of 10% by weight and then mechanically mixed until homogenous solder paste was obtained. The results showed that the addition of Sn nanoparticles resulted in homogenous bond formation for SAC-3 and SCAN, while voids and bubbles formation slightly increased within the joint interface for the water washable solder paste. The SCAN + Sn nano reinforced solder paste showed increased variation of joint strength from 12.6 to 39.9 N, while the water washable + Sn nanopowder reinforced solder paste showed less variability in joint strength from 17.3 to 33.9 N. Both sets of solder paste with and without Sn nano reinforced solder paste showed a reliable quality joint under mechanical shock testing after six shocks in six milliseconds with an 87.1 ms pulse duration. The results showed that Sn nanoparticles resulted in a small resistance change, while RDC values (in mΩ) slightly decreased for SAC and increased for SCAN and further increases for water washable solder paste.