Effect of Solder Mask Surface Chemistry and Morphology on the Water Layer Formation Under Humid Conditions

Kamila Piotrowska*, Rameez Ud Din, Morten Stendahl Jellesen, Rajan Ambat

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper investigates the water film buildup on solder masked printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) laminates under humid conditions. The effects of solder mask surface chemistry, morphology, and roughness were investigated using different commercial laminates coated with solder mask. Chemical composition of the materials was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Microstructure and surface morphology were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, whereas the wettability was assessed using static contact angle technique, and correlated with the morphological observations. Solder mask surface waviness was characterized and quantified using a mechanical stylus profilometer. The formation of water film on a PCBA surface was monitored in situ by optical microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and correlated with the observations of surface features. The results show that the solder mask surface chemistry and morphology significantly influence the water film formation, which is important for corrosion reliability of electronics exposed to humid conditions.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalI E E E Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology
    Volume8
    Issue number10
    Pages (from-to)1756-1768
    ISSN2156-3950
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018

    Keywords

    • Corrosion
    • Electronics reliability
    • Humidity
    • Printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) manufacturing
    • Solder mask

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