The micro-structural changes, strength characteristics, and micro-fractural behaviors at the joint interface between a Sn-4.0wt%Ag-0.5wt%Cu solder ball and UBM treated by isothermal aging are reported. From the reflow process for the joint interface, a small amount of intermetallic compound was formed. With an increase in the isothermal aging time, the type and amount of the intermetallic compound changed. The interface without an isothermal treatment showed a ductile fracture. However, with an increase in the aging time, a brittle fracture occurred on the interface due mainly to the increase in the size of the intermetallic compounds and voids. As a result, a drastic degradation in the shear strength was observed. From a microshear test by a scanning electron microscope, the generation of micro-cracks was initiated from the voids at the joint interface. They propagated along the same interface, resulting in coalescence with neighboring cracks into larger cracks. With an increase in the aging time, the generation of the micro-structural cracks was enhanced and the degree of propagation also accelerated.

Sn-3.5g 무연합금을 Cu 및 Alloy42 리드프레임에 납땜접합 (solder joint)하고 미세조직, 젖음성, 전단강도, 시효 효과를 측정하여 비교하였다. Cu의 경우, 땜납의 Sn기지상안에 Ag(sub)3Sn과 Cu(sub)6Sn(sub)5상이, 그리고 땜납/리드프레임의 경계면에는 1~2μm 두께의 Cu(sub)6Sn(sub)5 상이 형성되었다. Alloy42의 경우, 기지상내에 낮은 밀도의 Ag3Sn상만이, 그리고 계면에는 0.5~1.5μm 두께의 FeSn2이 형성되었다. 한편, Cu에 비해 Alloy42 리드프레임에서 퍼짐면적은 크고 접촉각은 작아 더 우수한 젖음성을 나타내었으나, 전단강도는 35%, 연산율은 75%로 낮았다. 180˚C에서 1주일간 시효처리 후, Cu 리드프레임에는 계면 η-Cu6Sn5 층외에 ξ-Cu3Sn층이 성장하였고, Alloy42 리드프레임에는 기지상내에 Ag3Sn이 구형으로 조대하게 성장하였고, 계면에는FeSn2층만이 약 1.5μm로 성장하였다.