Surface roughness and wettability of SAC/CNT lead free solder

The effect of substrate surface roughness on the wettability of SAC237 (Sn 99.9%, Ag 0.3%, Cu 0.7%) with difference percentage of CNT on copper substrate was investigated. Solder paste of SAC 237 without CNT, 0.01% and 0.04% of CNT were reflowed at 270°C on different surface roughness of Cu substrate (abrasive number 240, 400, 600, 800). Contact angle of soldered samples measured by Infinite Focus Microscope (IFM). As a result, contact angle value of investigated solders range 7° to 20°. Contact angle obtained decreases with the increasing surface roughness of Cu substrate. This demonstrates that rougher substrate enhance the wettability of the solders. Addition of CNT also effects the wettability of investigated solders. Higher composition of CNT show better wettability.