Sn-Ag-Cu and Sn-Cu solders: Interfacial reactions with platinum

The interfacial reaction and intermetallic formation at the interface between tin solders containing a small amount of copper with platinum were investigated in this study. Sn-0.7Cu and Sn-1.7Cu solders were reacted with platinum by dipping Pt/Ti/Si specimens into the molten solder at 260°C. Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu solder was reacted with platinum by reflowing solder paste on a Pt/Ti/Si substrate at 250°C. PtSn₄ intermetallic formed in all specimens while Cu₆Sn₅ interfacial intermetallic was not observed at the solder/platinum interfaces in any specimens. A parabolic relationship existed between the thickness of the Pt-Sn intermetallic and reaction time, which indicates the intermetallic formation in the solder/platinum interface is diffusion controlled. For more information, contact Young-Ho Kim, Hanyang University, Department of Materials Engineering, Seoul, 133-791, Korea; e-mail kimyh@hanyang.ac.kr.