Polymer-Protected Cu-Ag Mixed NPs for Low-Temperature Bonding Application

A simple method has been proposed to prepare polymer-protected Cu-Ag mixed nanoparticles (NPs), which are suitable for use as low-temperature bonding materials. The polymer coated on the Cu-Ag mixed NPs can protect them from oxidation effectively when heated in air at temperature lower than 280°C. The low-temperature bonding process utilizing Cu-Ag mixed NPs as the bonding material is investigated. The bonding experiments show that robust joints are formed using Cu-Ag mixed NPs at 160°C in air. The shear test shows that addition of copper to silver is helpful for improving joint strength. This novel sintering-bonding technology using Cu-Ag mixed NPs as an interconnection material has potential for application in the electronics packaging industry.