This work is aimed at comparing several methods for the measurement of physical properties for molten Sn and Sn–Ag alloys, namely, surface tension, density, and viscosity. The method used for viscosity in this work is the modified capillary method. For surface tension and density, the data used for comparison were previously measured using the maximum bubble pressure method and the dilatometer technique, respectively, for four Sn–Ag alloys having (3.8, 32, 55, and 68) at% Ag. The results are compared with those obtained using a new method based on a fluid draining from a crucible under the influence of gravity, designated the Roach–Henein (RH) method. This new method enables the determination of these three physical properties in one set of measurements. Liquid Sn was used as well as two liquid Sn–Ag alloys having (3.8 and 34.6) at% Ag with the RH method. It was determined that the RH method may be used to simultaneously obtain surface tension, viscosity, and density and that the errors associated with these measurements were similar to those obtained using traditional and separate techniques. Comparisons of the measured viscosity and surface tension to those predicted using thermodynamic models will also be presented. Finally a comparison of mixing model predictions with the experimentally measured alloy surface tension and viscosity is also presented.

The physicochemical properties, viscosity, density, and surface tension, were measured using the discharge crucible method (DC) on five alloys of Sb–Sn. The performance of the DC method was demonstrated with measurements on pure metals Sb, Sn, Zn, and comparisons with the corresponding literature data. The results reported in this study are for Sb–Sn alloys containing (10, 20, 25, 50, and 75) at% of Sb at 550 K to 850 K. The results show that all the physicochemical properties decrease with decreasing temperature and increase with increasing Sb content in the alloy. The experimentally measured surface-tension values are compared with the Butler model. Several models for viscosity are compared and discussed.

Wetting properties of Sn-Zn and Zn-Al alloys on Cu and Al substrates were studied. Spreading tests were carried out for 3 min, in air and under protective atmosphere of nitrogen, with the use of fluxes. In the case of Zn-Al eutectic, spreading tests were carried out at 460, 480, 500, and 520 °C, and in the case of Sn-Zn eutectic at 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 °C, respectively. Solidified solder/substrate couples were cross-sectioned and subjected to microstructure examination. The spreading tests indicated that the wetting properties of eutectic Sn-Zn alloys, on copper pads do not depend on temperature (up to 400 °C), but in the lack of protective atmosphere, the solder does not wet the pads. Wettability studies of Zn-Al eutectic on aluminum and copper substrates have shown a negative effect of the protective nitrogen atmosphere on the wetting properties, especially for the copper pads. Furthermore, it was noted that with increasing temperature the solder wettability is improved. In addition, densities of liquid solders were studied by means of dilatometric technique.