In situ investigation of SnAgCu solder alloy microstructure

In situ X-ray diffraction experiments, using synchrotron radiation, were employed to analyze microstructure evolution of the 96.5Sn3Ag0.5Cu (wt.%)—SAC305 lead-free solder alloy during heating (30-240 °C), isothermal dwell (240 °C) and cooling (240-30 °C). The special emphasis was placed on the study of the melting and solidification processes, explaining formation, distribution and the order of crystallization of the crystal phases (β-Sn, intermetallic compounds) in the solder alloy. Furthermore, thermal expansion behaviour of the main constituent phase β-Sn was analyzed prior to melting and after the consequent solidification.