Wetting Kinetics of Eutectic Lead and Lead-Free Solders: Spreading over the Cu Surface

Wetting kinetics of Sn, eutectic Sn-Ag, eutectic Sn-Cu, and eutectic Pb-Sn was studied using real-time in situ monitoring of the triple-line movement, facilitated by a hot-stage microscopy system under a controlled atmosphere. Significantly different kinetics of lead versus lead-free solders is documented. In case of the eutectic lead solder, four characteristic spreading stages were identified. Spreading of lead-free solders features two stages with a sharp change of the spreading rate at the early stages of rather insignificant spreading. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis of the resolidified solder surface within a halo region is discussed.