Evaluation of Bulk Mechanical Properties of Selected Lead-Free Solders in Tension and in Shear

Lead-free solders are fast emerging as better alternatives to Sn-Pb solders. The reliability of a soldered joint to withstand imposed stresses in an assembly is decided by its mechanical properties. The present work is about the investigation of tensile and shear properties of four binary eutectic alloys Sn-3.5Ag, Sn-58Bi, Sn-0.7Cu, Sn-9Zn and a ternary alloy Sn-57Bi-1.3Zn in comparison with conventional Sn-38Pb alloy. It is observed that the lead-free solders have better mechanical properties than the latter. SEM studies of tensile and shear fracture show ductile dimples circular in tension and parabolic in shear modes supporting the mechanical behavior of the alloys investigated. Eutectic alloys Sn-Ag, Sn-Zn, and Sn-Cu form potential substitutes for Sn-Pb for electronic interconnects exposed to high temperatures, while Sn-Bi and Sn-Bi-Zn are attractive alternatives in addressing the need of lower processing temperatures in printed circuit boards and other applications.