Application of ZnO Nanoparticles in Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7-Based Composite Solder Alloys

The properties of Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7 (SACX0307) solder alloy reinforced with ZnO nanoparticles were investigated. The primary ZnO particle sizes were 50, 100, and 200 nm. They were added to a solder paste at a ratio of 1.0 wt %. The wettability, the void formation, the mechanical strength, and the thermoelectric parameters of the composite solder alloys/joints were investigated. Furthermore, microstructural evaluations were performed using scanning electron and ion microscopy. ZnO nanoparticles decreased the composite solder alloys’ wettability, which yielded increased void formation. Nonetheless, the shear strength and the thermoelectric parameters of the composite solder alloy were the same as those of the SACX0307 reference. This could be explained by the refinement effects of ZnO ceramics both on the Sn grains and on the Ag(3)Sn and Cu(6)Sn(5) intermetallic grains. This could compensate for the adverse impact of lower wettability. After improving the wettability, using more active fluxes, ZnO composite solder alloys are promising for high-power applications.