The effects of Ga content on the microstructure, thermal behavior and mechanical properties of Sn-Zn eutectic alloy were examined in this study. Results show that Ga was dissolved in both Sn and Zn phases. This gave rise to irregular eutectic structure with misaligned, less distributed massive Zn-rich phase, relatively low melting point, and solid solution strengthening effect. Due to the inhomogeneous dissolution feature of Ga in Sn matrix, Sn-Zn-Ga alloys exhibit a broad melting range and an alternate normal-irregular eutectic structure. Notably, the addition of Ga into the Sn-Zn alloy will improve the tensile strength without reducing the ductility when the Ga content ranges from 0.05 to 1 mass%.

No abstract