Growth orientations and mechanical properties of Cu6Sn5 and (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 on poly-crystalline Cu

► Ni was found to modify the scallop-like Cu6Sn5 into a hexagonal rod-like morphology and suppress Cu3Sn formation. ► Trace addition of Ni resulted in preferred (1 0 1) growth orientation of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5. ► As the Ni content increased, the (1 0 1) texture of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 became stronger. ► The scattered mechanical properties was due to the (1 0 1) texture and anisotropic mechanical properties of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5.