The effect of homogenization treatment on microstructure and properties of ZnAl15 solder

The effect of homogenization treatment before extrusion process on microstructure and properties of ZnAl15 solders was investigated. The results of observing microstructure shown that homogenization treatment increased the structural homogeneity and stability of ZnAl15 solder. The results of microhardness measurements and reverse bend test indicated that the homogenized ZnAl15 solder resulted in lower microhardness and much higher ductility. Corrosion behavior of non-homogenized and homogenized ZnAl15 solders was studied in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution using immersion test and Tafel plots and resulted in higher corrosion resistance of the homogenized ZnAl15 solder.

► We report that homogenization treatment refine the microstructure of Zn–Al solder.
► We find out that the homogenized Zn–Al solder resulted in little lower microhardness but much higher ductility.
► The homogenization treatment has a small beneficial effect on the corrosion resistance of Zn–Al solder.