Effect of Rare-Earth (La, Ce, and Y) Additions on the Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Sn-3.9Ag-0.7Cu Solder Alloy

In this article, we report on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ce- and Y-containing Sn-3.9Ag-0.7Cu solders. The microstructures of both as-processed solder and solder joints containing rare-earth (RE) elements (up to 0.5 wt pct) are more refined compared to conventional Sn-3.9Ag-0.7Cu, with decreases in secondary Sn dendrite size and spacing and a thinner Cu₆Sn₅ intermetallic layer at the Cu/solder interface. These results agree well with similar observations seen in La-containing solders reported previously. The monotonic shear behavior of reflowed Sn-3.9Ag-0.7Cu-X(Ce, Y)/Cu lap shear joints was studied as well as the creep behavior at 368 K (95 °C). The data were compared with results obtained for Sn-3.9Ag-0.7Cu and Sn-3.9Ag-0.7Cu-XLa alloys. All RE-containing alloys exhibited creep behavior similar to Sn-3.9Ag-0.7Cu. Alloys with Ce additions exhibited a small decrease in ultimate shear strength but higher elongations compared with Sn-Ag-Cu. Similar observations were seen in La-containing solders. The influence of the RE-containing intermetallics (CeSn₃ and YSn₃) that form in these alloys on the microstructural refinement, solidification behavior, and mechanical performance of these novel materials is discussed.