Interfacial reactions in the Sn–9Zn–(xCu)/Cu and Sn–9Zn–(xCu)/Ni couples

Sn–Zn-based alloys are promising low melting-point Pb-free solders, and it has been reported that their wetting properties and oxidation resistance can be improved with the addition of Cu. The interfacial reactions in the Sn–9 wt% Zn–xCu/Cu couples at 250 °C and Sn–9 wt% Zn–xCu/Ni at 280 °C were examined in this study. A thick γ–Cu₅Zn₈ phase layer and a very thin β′–CuZn phase layer were formed in both the Sn–9 wt% Zn/Cu and the Sn–9 wt% Zn–1 wt% Cu/Cu couples. The γ–Ni₅Zn₂₁ phase layer was formed in both the Sn–9 wt% Zn/Ni and Sn–9 wt% Zn–1 wt% Cu/Ni couples. With longer reaction time, the δ–Ni₃Sn₄ phase were formed in the Sn–9 wt% Zn/Ni couple as well. In both the Cu and Ni couples, the Zn-containing γ phases were uniform and planar and were the dominant reaction products. However, when the Cu content of the Sn–9 wt% Zn–xCu solders was 10 wt%, the interfacial reaction product becomes the η–Cu₆Sn₅ phase in both the Cu and Ni couples.