Synthesis by mechanical alloying and characterization of 95.5Sn/4.0Ag/0.5Cu, (wt%) nanopowder

This work aims at sintering and characterizing the 95.5Sn/4.0Ag/0.5Cu (wt%) nanopowder, produced by high energy milling. The nano-sized particles reduce the melting point of this solder, which is usually higher for such alloys, for example, when compared with the usual 63Sn/37Pb (wt%) solder. The alloy was processed in a Spex mill with the following parameters: (I) different times of milling, 12, 24 and 48 hours. (II) the ratio of ball/mass powder of 40:1 and (II) hydrogen milling atmosphere. The microstructural evolution during milling was studied by X-ray diffraction and differential calorimetry. Combining these three variables, after grinding, a reduction of the particle size and the melting point of the solder were observed. This material is promising for applications in microelectronics packaging as a lead free solder. (author)