Effects of solid-state annealing on the interfacial intermetallics between tin-lead solders and copper

The interfacial intermetallics between Cu and solder were studied for four Sn-Pb compositions at the annealing temperatures of 125°C, 150°C, and 175°C for up to 30 days. The η-phase (Cu6Sn5) layer formed during reflow continues to grow during annealing. An additional layer of ɛ-phase (Cu3Sn) forms at the η/Cu interface after an incubation annealing time. The thickness results fit a power-law relationship against time with average exponents 0.69 and 0.44 for the η phase and the ɛ phase, respectively. On prolonged annealing, the proportions of the individual phases in the total layer reach a steady state.