Iron Nanoparticle-Doped Flux: Wetting Characteristics of Flux and SAC305 Solder and Effects on Flux Viscosity

Abstract

In this study the influence of iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) on the wetting properties of soldering flux and solder as well as on the viscosity of the flux was investigated. Iron nanoparticles in varying concentrations from 0 to 10 wt.% were incorporated into the soldering flux. To quantify the viscosity changes, a rotational viscometer was employed, progressively increasing the shear rates during the measurements. The wetting behavior of the nanoparticle-enhanced flux was evaluated by using the drop sessile method. Furthermore, the study examined the impact of Fe-NPs on the wetting dynamics in the soldering process, utilizing SAC305 alloy as the solder medium. This research indicates that as the concentration of iron nanoparticles in the flux increases, there is a notable increase in the wetting angle of the SAC305 solder. Conversely, the flux itself exhibited enhanced wetting characteristics with the addition of nanoparticles. This observed decrease in the wetting angle of the flux, which correlates with the viscosity data, suggests that the integration of Fe-NPs contributes to a reduction in the flux's viscosity.