Considerations on Joining Technology of Pressure-less Sintering by Nano-Silver Pastes
摘要
In the field of power electronics, particularly within the automotive industry, the demand for higher operating temperatures continues to rise. As a result, conventional Sn-based solder alloys are approaching their performance limits. Among alternative joining techniques, silver sintering has gained significant attention due to its excellent thermal and mechanical properties. However, its acceptance is often limited by the need for high process temperatures and external mechanical pressure. To address these limitations, sintering using nanomaterials has emerged as a promising approach, enabling reliable interconnections without external pressure. One such solution is a pressure-less nano-silver sintering process based on a precursor-type paste. This paste not only facilitates joining at application-relevant temperatures but also holds potential for broader applications beyond die-level packaging. In this study, a commercially available in situ nano-silver precursor paste was employed to evaluate its suitability for pressure-less bonding under application-relevant temperature conditions. Mechanical properties were assessed by die shear testing and correlated with detailed microstructural characterization. The results provide new insights into nano-silver sintering mechanisms and highlight the potential of precursor-assisted nano-Ag materials for next-generation high-power electronic packaging.