A group of international researchers has reportedly developed a new formula for solder that could help to reduce cracking and premature wear in vulnerable electronics used in electric vehicles (EV).
According to a recent posting to the website of The Engineer, the new solder mix replaces common, lead-free replacements for lead that are more prone to degrade in the high-temperature environment found in EVs. Instead of using tin, silver, or copper, the new formula includes nanoparticles and other microalloying elements that enhance the properties of solder and the reliability of solder joints. These changes are reportedly sufficient to help reduce the incidence of cracking and premature degradation.
The research leading to the potential solder formula was conducted at the General Engineering Research Institute at Livermore John Moores University in the United Kingdom and researchers at partner organizations Gunma University in Japan and Universiti Malaysia Perlis in Malaysia. The research is being funded by the British Council’s COP26 Trilateral Research Initiative, which is intended to promote collaborative research in the field of climate change.
