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Sn plating looks like Zn after Autoclave test  

September 20, 2008

We submitted some Microelectronic samples to AutoClave testing (96 Hs.) and when we removed the samples an oxidation formed on the surface of the leads and the body of the parts that looks like Zn plating! Has anyone observed this condition before, and can you tell me what was responsible?

Chris MacMartin
Failure Analysis - Simi Valley, CA, USA

Let's dip out a 4 liter beaker, dummy out the copper, carbon treat with powdered activated sulfur free carbon, then plate a part in the beaker and see if it corrodes in the autoclave. Let us know.

Robert H Probert Robert H Probert Technical Services Garner, North Carolina Editor's note:        Mr. Probert is the    author of Aluminum How-To / Aluminio El Como