Reaction Diffusion in the Au-Cu-Pb-Sn System at Low Temperature
The microstructure of a Cu 3 Au v. Pb-5wt%Sn diffusion couple was examined in the as-dipped and annealed conditions. The as-dipped couple showed no reaction between the solder and the base metal. The couple developed intermediate layers of two intermetallic phases upon annealing for 289 hours at 169°C. These phases were identified as phi and eta’ which are contained in the Au-Cu-Sn ternary system. No phases containing significant amounts of Pb formed, indicating that even at low concentrations in a Pb-Sn solder, Sn is the active chemical specie in the solder for the Au-Cu-Pb-Sn system. The microhardness of the eta’ phase was found to be equal to that of Cu 3 Sn, which forms in the absence of Au in the Cu base metal. However, the the phi phase was harder, and therefore the presence of Au in the base metal may adversely affect the thermal fatigue resistance of the solder joint.
Constitution of AuSn–Pb–Sn partial ternary system
AbstractThermal analysis, metallography, and electron-probe microanalysis have been used to corroborate one of the conflicting constitutions of the AuSn–Pb–Sn partial ternary system. The phase equilibria consist of two ternary transition reactions at 13–0Au, 48–0Pb, 39–0Sn at.-%, 275°C and 8–5Au, 28–0Pb, 63–5Sn at.-%, 210°C, and a ternary eutectic at 3–5Au, 20–0Pb, 76–5Sn at.-%, 177°C. The solubility of Pb in the ternary system is substantial and between 275 and 177°C the system can dissolve up to 4 at.-% Au and 27 at.-%Sn. The maximum width of the AuSn primary phase field in the partial AuSn–Pb–Sn system is approximately 3 at.-%. and that of Sn approximately 2 at.-%.MST/82
A Critical Assessment on Functional Attributes and Degradation Mechanism of Membrane Electrode Assembly Components in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are typically a subset of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) that possess benefits such as fuel flexibility, reduction in plant balance, and benign operation. Due to their benefits, DMFCs could play a substantial role in the future, specifically in replacing Li-ion batteries for portable and military applications. However, the critical concern with DMFCs is the degradation and inadequate reliability that affect the overall value chain and can potentially impede the commercialization of DMFCs. As a consequence, a reliability assessment can provide more insight into a DMFC component’s attributes. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the integral component of the DMFC stack. A comprehensive understanding of its functional attributes and degradation mechanism plays a significant role in its commercialization. The methanol crossover through the membrane, carbon monoxide poisoning, high anode polarization by methanol oxidation, and operating parameters such as temperature, humidity, and others are significant contributions to MEA degradation. In addition, inadequate reliability of the MEA impacts the failure mechanism of DMFC, resulting in poor efficiency. Consequently, this paper provides a comprehensive assessment of several factors leading to the MEA degradation mechanism in order to develop a holistic understanding.