Characterizing Water Soluble Fluxes: Surface Insulation Resistance VS Electrochemical Migration

Abstract

The drive to eliminate chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances from use in electronics manufacturing has led many companies to evaluate alternate soldering fluxes which do not require solvents such as CFCs and methyl chloroform for cleaning. Water soluble fluxes represent one viable approach which has been evaluated and used by major computer and telecommunication companies. One advantage of water soluble fluxes over traditional rosin-based fluxes is the improved soldering yield'. However, the aggressive nature of the residues from water soluble fluxes require careful control of the cleaning process.