The microstructure and properties of as-cast Sn-Zn-Bi solder alloys

Research on the lead-free solders has attracted wide attention, mostly as the result of the implementation of the Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment. The Sn-Zn solder alloys have been considered to be one of the most attractive lead-free solders due to its ability to easily replace Sn-Pb eutectic alloy without increasing the soldering temperature. Furthermore, the mechanical properties are comparable or even superior to those of Sn-Pb solder. However, other problems still persist. The solution to overcoming these drawbacks is to add a small amount of alloying elements (Bi, Ag, Cr, Cu, and Sb) to the Sn-Zn alloys. Microstructure, tensile strength, and hardness of the selected Sn-Zn-Bi ternary alloys have been investigated in this study. The SEM-EDS was used for the identification of co-existing phases in the samples. The specimens’ microstructures are composed of three phases: Sn-rich solid solution as the matrix, Bi-phase and Zn-rich phase. The Bi precipitates are formed around the Sn-dendrit grains as well as around the Zn-rich phase. The amount of Bi segregation increases with the increase of Bi content. The Sn-Zn-Bi alloys exhibit the high tensile strength and hardness, but the values of these mechanical properties decrease with the increase of Bi content, as well as the reduction of Zn content. The results presented in this paper may offer further knowledge of the effects various parameters have on the properties of lead-free Sn-Zn-Bi solders.