Effect of micron size Ni particle addition in Sn–8Zn–3Bi lead-free solder alloy on the microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties

• Ni-added Sn-Zn-Bi were characterized metallographically, thermally and mechanically.
• The volume fraction of α-Zn phase increased with both Bi and Ni in Sn-Zn-Bi alloys.
• Micron-sized Ni particles reacted with neither Sn nor Zn to form intermetallics.
• Better combination of thermal and mechanical properties can be achieved with Ni.

Micron-sized Ni particle-reinforced Sn–8Zn–3Bi composite solders were prepared by mechanically dispersing Ni particles into Sn–8Zn–3Bi alloy and the bulk properties of the composite solder alloy were characterized metallographically, thermally and mechanically. Different percentage of Ni particle viz. 0.25, 0.5 and 1 wt.% were added in the liquid Sn–8Zn–3Bi alloy and then cast into the metal molds. Melting behavior was studied by differential thermal analyzer (DTA). Microstructural investigation was carried out by both optical and scanning electron microscope. Tensile properties were determined using an Instron Universal Testing Machine at a strain rate 3.00 mm/min. The results indicated that the Ni addition increased the melting temperature of Sn–8Zn–3Bi alloy. The addition of Ni was also found to increase the solidification range. In the Sn–8Zn–3Bi alloy, needle-shaped α-Zn phase was found to be uniformly distributed in the β-Sn matrix. However, it was found that the small amount of Ni addition in Sn–8Zn–3Bi alloy refined the Zn needles throughout the matrix. Also an enhanced precipitation of Zn in the structure was observed with the addition of Ni. All these structural changes improved the mechanical properties like tensile strength and hardness of the newly developed quaternary alloy.