Study on erosion resistance characteristics of Fe-MWCNT composite plating with respect to lead-free solder

Sn-3mass%Ag-0.5mass%Cu lead-free solder causes strong erosion of Fe plating, which is used in hand soldering. In order to improve the durability of the soldering iron tip, we tried Fe-MWCNT (Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube) composite plating on the tip. Microstructures and the erosion resistance of the Fe-MWCNT composite plating under heating were examined. On the basis of the SEM/EDS analysis, it was confirmed that there were MWCNTs in the Fe-MWCNT composite plating. Even when heated to 673 K, MWCNTs were found to be present in the plating film under a stable condition. It was shown that the performance of erosion resistance for lead-free solders under high temperature (673 K) is improved due to the MWCNT addition to the Fe plating.