Phase transformations at heating of Sn–Ni–Zn powders obtained by cementation from solutions
The low-temperature method of Sn–Ni–Zn powders synthesis by cementation of tin and nickel with zinc powder from acidic solutions with the formation of “zinc core – porous nickel shell – external tin layer” structures has been proposed. The method provides metals ratio control in wide ranges (7–41 at. % of tin, 38–86 at. % of nickel and 7–24 at. % of zinc) by variation of the process duration. X-ray phase analysis data give evidence on the presence of β-Sn and Zn phases as well as NiZn3 and NiSn intermetallics in the powders obtained. Differential scanning calorimetry data show the availability of Sn–Zn eutectic with the melting point at 171.2 °C in the powders with high tin content (30–40 at. %). The formation of the ternary intermetallic τ1 phase (Ni3+xSn4Zn) has been established to occur as a result of the powders heating at 260 °C. The discovered low-temperature phase transformation in Sn–Ni–Zn system at 260 °C is of interest for electronic equipment assembly processes that include consecutive stages of soldering and resoldering.