Lockheed Martin Corporation
High-Temperature Solders and Connections Formed Therefrom

Abstract:

Copper nanoparticle paste compositions may be formulated for forming connections that are capable of operating at high temperatures by including a grain growth inhibitor with copper nanoparticles in a suitable amount. Such nanoparticle paste compositions may comprise copper nanoparticles and 0.01-15 wt. % of a grain growth inhibitor or a precursor to a grain growth inhibitor admixed with the copper nanoparticles, in which the grain growth inhibitor comprises a metal. The grain growth inhibitor is insoluble in a bulk copper matrix and is capable of residing at one or more grain boundaries in the bulk copper matrix. The one or more grain boundaries may be formed after the copper nanoparticles undergo consolidation to form bulk copper. The grain growth inhibitor may comprise various metals that are insoluble in bulk copper.