Effects of trace amount addition of rare earth on properties and microstructure of Sn–Ag–Cu alloys

Ternary lead free solder alloys Sn–Ag–Cu were considered as the promising alternatives to conventional SnPb alloys comparing with other solders. In the present work, effects of trace amounts of rare earth Ce on the wettability, mechanical properties and microstructure of Sn–Ag–Cu solder have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis systematically. The results indicate that adding trace amount of rare earth Ce can remarkably improve the wettability, mechanical strength of Sn–Ag–Cu solder joint at different temperature, especially when the content of rare earth Ce is at about 0.03%, the tensile strength will be 110% times or more than that of the lead free solder joint without rare earth Ce addition. Moreover, it was observed that the trace amount of rare earth Ce in Sn–Ag–Cu solder may refine the joint matrix microstructure, modify the Cu₆Sn₅ intermetallic phase at the copper substrate/solder interface, and the intermetallic compound layer thickness was reduced significantly. In addition, since rare earth Ce possesses a higher affinity to Sn in the alloy, adding of rare earth Ce can also lead to the delayed formation and growth of the intermetallic compounds of Ag₃Sn and Cu₆Sn₅ in the alloy.