Microstructural evolution of alloy powder for electronic materials with liquid miscibility gap

Abstract

The microstructure of powders that are applicable for electronic materials were studied for some systems in which there is a liquid miscibility gap. The characteristic morphologies of an egg-like core type and a uniform second-phase dispersion are shown in relation to the phase diagram, where thermodynamic calculations are a powerful tool for alloy design and the prediction of microstructure. Typical examples of microstructural evolution and properties of Pb-free solders and Ag-based micropowders with high electrical conductivity produced by a gas-atomizing method are presented. © 2008 TMS.