Sn-1.0 Ag-0.5 Cu-0.06 Sm lead-free composite solders were prepared by mechanically mixing method. The effects of creep on the matrix microstructure and interface morphology as well as mechanical properties of Cu/Sn-1.0 Ag-0.5 Cu-0.06 Sm/Cu solder joints were investigated by SEM
EDS and bond strength tester. The results reveal that under the action of long-term high temperature creep
Ag
3
Sn and Cu
6
Sn
5
phases can be continuously precipitated in the matrix structure of the solder joints
which is merged
grown and aggregated. The morphology of the IMC layer continuously is grown from a scallop shape in the reflow state to a relatively flat and thick layer
and transformed from Cu
6
Sn
5
single phase to two phases of Cu
6
Sn
5
and Cu
3
Sn
resulting in decrease of 21.3% in the tensile strength of the solder joint compared with that of the reflux state.