Diffusion barrier characteristics and shear fracture behaviors of eutectic PbSn solder/electroless Co(W,P) samples

► Diffusion barrier features, activation energies of IMC growth and mechanical behaviors of electroless Co(W,P)/PbSn joints. ► Amorphous Co(W,P) is a sacrificial- plus stuffed-type barrier while polycrystalline Co(W,P) is a sacrificial-type barrier. ► Ductile mode dominates the failure of Co(W,P)/PbSn joints. ► Phosphorus content of Co(W,P) is crucial to the barrier capability and microstructure evolution at Co(W,P)/PbSn interface. ► Diffusion barrier capability is governed by the nature of chemical bonds, rather than the crystallinity of materials.