Thermal conductivity of molten lead free solders

The increasing influence of computational modelling in all technological processes generates an increased demand for accurate values of the physical properties of the materials involved, which are used as fundamental inputs for every model. In the production of electronic circuits, a thorough knowledge of the thermal conductivity of molten solders can result in a better controlled soldering process. As a result, this information can be used for setting the optimum soldering profile and thereby lead to improvement in the quality control of the solder joints. This paper describes the principles of the experimental technique employed for the measurement of the thermal conductivity of molten solders and describes the essential features of the instrumentation. The values of the thermal conductivity of different lead and lead-free solder compositions, measured at various temperatures and temperature profiles, are compared and briefly discussed