Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Tin-Based Lead-Free Solders: A Review

Liangwei Li; Weiou Qin; Baohua Mai; Da Qi; Wenchao Yang; Junli Feng; Yongzhong Zhan

doi:10.3390/cryst13050789

Crystals (May 2023)

Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Tin-Based Lead-Free Solders: A Review

Liangwei Li,
Weiou Qin,
Baohua Mai,
Da Qi,
Wenchao Yang,
Junli Feng,
Yongzhong Zhan

Affiliations

Liangwei Li: State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-Cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Weiou Qin: State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-Cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Baohua Mai: Shenzhen Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Shenzhen 518010, China
Da Qi: State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-Cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Wenchao Yang: State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-Cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Junli Feng: Shenzhen Customs Industrial Products Testing Technology Center, Shenzhen 518067, China
Yongzhong Zhan: State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-Cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13050789
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 13, no. 5
p. 789

Abstract

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Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are being applied with increasing frequency for advanced soldering. They have excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties and are primarily used to reinforce lead-free solders. This paper discusses the strengthening mechanism of CNTs, introduces the preparation methods of CNT composite solders, and focuses on the review of tin-based lead-free solders reinforced with unmodified CNTs and metal-modified CNTs. The addition of CNTs can effectively improve the ultimate tensile strength, microhardness, shear strength, and creep resistance of the solder. However, the practical application of CNT composite solders has been a challenge for researchers for decades. The most significant issue is uniform dispersion due to the large density and surface differences between CNTs and solders. Other concerns are the structural integrity of CNTs and their limited addition amount, solder wettability, and interfacial bonding. CNT composite solders can only be widely used in a real sense when these challenges are properly addressed and overcome. At present, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews covering the structure, the strengthening mechanism, the preparation method of CNT composite solders, and the influence of CNT types on their strengthening effects. Therefore, this paper aims to fill this gap and contribute to solving the problems faced by the application of CNTs in solder. Future work is expected to focus on improving the dispersion and bonding of CNTs and optimizing the preparation method.

Published in Crystals

ISSN: 2073-4352 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Science: Chemistry: Crystallography
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/crystals/

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