The mechanical properties of eight solder alloys from the Pb-Sn-ln-Ag alloy
systems were determined over the temperature range -200 degrees C to 100 d
egrees C, using uniaxial tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA),
acoustic pulse methods and dilatometry. In general, the strength and elasti
c modulus of the alloys studied was inversely dependent on temperature. PbS
n, PbIn and SnIn alloys were observed to turn superplastic with elongations
over 100 per cent at temperatures of 50 degrees C or above, The Pb-based a
nd In-Sn eutectic solders possessed superplasticity at temperatures greater
than 50 degrees C, From these results, deformation and fracture processes
are reviewed, and the appropriate fracture mechanism is proposed.