Structure and mechanical properties of Cu-10Ag-37Zn soldering ribbons produced by rolling and melt quenching

Comparative analysis of the phase composition, structure and mechanical properties of ribbons of Cu-10Ag-37Zn (wt.%) soldering alloy (grade PSr 10) with thicknesses 110–130 $\mu$m produced by rolling and melt quenching methods with subsequent annealing were investigated by X-Ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, microhardness measurements and three-point bending testing. The qualitative correlations between variations of the width of diffraction lines of FCC solid solutions based on Cu, Ag and BCC $\beta$-phase and changes of the plasticity and strength characteristics of the ribbons were established. The conditions for producing of the plastic ribbons which could withstand a full bend with a zero radius were determined, and it was established that the dominant factor determining plasticity was the level of microstrains which was proportional to the density of dislocations. The advantages of using of the melt quenching technique for plastic soldering ribbons producing were discussed.