Coupling effect in Pt/Sn/Cu sandwich solder joint structures Original Research Article

The interaction between Sn/Cu and Sn/Pt interfacial reactions in Pt/Sn/Cu sandwich joint structures was studied. We found the interfacial Sn/Pt reaction to be greatly influenced by the opposite Sn/Cu reaction. The PtSn4 interfacial compound formation rate was very sluggish compared with that of the single Sn/Pt reaction case. On the other hand, the growth rate of the Cu6Sn5 compound at the Sn/Cu interface was not affected by the opposite Sn/Pt reaction, which has a rate similar to that of the single Sn/Cu reaction case. However, the morphology of the Cu6Sn5 grains was different than in the single Sn/Cu reaction case (i.e. it had the conventional scallop-type shape). In the sandwich case, the Cu6Sn5 grains had a column-like appearance. The column-like morphology of the Cu6Sn5 grains is due to the small interfacial energy, image, caused by the dissolution of Pt from the molten solder. Also, we found that the Pt dissolution would also cause a reduction in the solubility of Cu in the molten solder. The above two parameter changes lead to a diminishing of the ripening flux among Cu6Sn5 grains. Hence, smaller Cu6Sn5 grains would not be depleted and the separation distance between Cu6Sn5 grains would not be widened.