Tin Zinc Alloy

Tin Zinc Alloy sputtering targets are alloys of tin (Sn) and zinc (Zn) that are mainly used in the sputtering process of physical vapour deposition (PVD) to deposit thin films with specific properties on the surface of the substrate, which play a key role in many fields such as electronics and optics.

Characteristics

Composition: Tin Zinc Alloy consists mainly of two elements, tin (Sn) and zinc (Zn), the proportion of which will be adjusted according to the specific needs of the application.

Density: Tin has a density of approximately 7.31 g/cm3 and zinc has a density of approximately 7.14 g/cm3, so the density of tin-zinc alloys will vary depending on the ratio of the two. The proper density is important for target mounting and stability of the sputtering process.

Melting point: Tin has a melting point of approx. 231.9°C and zinc has a melting point of approx. 419.5°C. The melting point of tin-zinc alloys also varies depending on the composition ratio. During the sputtering process, it is necessary to select the appropriate sputtering power and temperature conditions according to the melting point of the target material to ensure that the target material can be sputtered properly.

Hardness: The hardness of tin and zinc itself is relatively soft, and its hardness will be improved after alloying, but it still belongs to the softer materials in general. Care should be taken to avoid scratches and damage to the target during processing and use.

Grain size: High quality Tin Zinc Alloy sputtering targets require small grain size and uniform grain distribution. Smaller grain size increases the sputtering rate and film uniformity of the target.

Porosity: Low porosity is one of the most important characteristics of a high quality target. Excessive porosity can lead to adsorption and release of gases during sputtering, which affects the quality and properties of the film.

Sputtering rate: Under certain sputtering conditions, Tin Zinc Alloy targets have a specific sputtering rate, which is influenced by target composition, purity, sputtering power, sputtering gas and other factors. The appropriate sputtering rate can ensure the efficient preparation of thin films.

Thin film uniformity: A good target can deposit a uniform thin film on the substrate, which is very important for semiconductor, display, optical and other applications. The compositional homogeneity of the target, the microstructural homogeneity and the stability of the sputtering process all influence the uniformity of the film.

Applications

Electronics and semiconductor fields:

Integrated Circuit Manufacturing: Tin Zinc Alloy is used in semiconductor chip manufacturing processes for depositing conductive thin films or barrier layers, for example. For example, the sputtering of tin-zinc alloy films to achieve circuit connections within the chip as well as isolation and protection between layers of different materials helps to improve the performance and reliability of the chip.

Electronic component manufacturing: Tin Zinc Alloy is used to manufacture electrodes or conductive layers for electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, transistors and so on. The good conductivity and stability of tin-zinc alloy film can meet the requirements of electronic components on conductive materials, to ensure the normal operation of electronic components.

Optical field:

Optical coating: thin films can be plated on the surface of optical devices such as optical lenses, lenses, prisms, etc. to improve the performance of optical devices. For example, to increase the anti-reflective properties of optical lenses, improve light transmission, or to give the optical device specific optical properties, such as filtering, spectral and other functions. The optical properties of tin-zinc alloy films can be adjusted and optimised for different applications.

Display technology: In display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), tin-zinc alloy sputtering targets are used to prepare transparent conductive films. These films act as electrode materials that enable the control of electrical signals in display panels, thus rendering high-quality images and videos.

Solar Energy Field:

Solar Cells: Tin-zinc alloy thin films can be used as electrode material or window layer material in the manufacturing process of solar cells. Its good electrical conductivity and photovoltaic properties help to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cells and can reduce the cost of solar cells to a certain extent.

Photovoltaic module encapsulation: Tin Zinc Alloy is used in the encapsulation of photovoltaic modules to protect solar cells and improve the weather resistance and reliability of the modules. Tin-zinc alloy film’s corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance and other characteristics make it able to adapt to the long-term use of solar photovoltaic modules in harsh outdoor environments.

Automotive industry field:

Automotive glass coating: films with functions such as heat insulation, UV protection and anti-glare can be coated on the surface of automotive glass. This not only improves the comfort and safety of the car, but also reduces the energy consumption of automotive air conditioning and lowers the fuel consumption of the car.

Automotive parts coating: Tin Zinc Alloy is used for the surface coating of automotive parts, such as engine parts, transmission parts, brake parts and so on. Tin-zinc alloy coating can improve the wear resistance, corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance of the parts, and prolong the service life of auto parts.

Decoration and protection field:

High-grade decorative items: Tin Zinc Alloy can be used to make high-grade decorative materials, such as metal decorations, jewellery and so on. The unique appearance and texture of tin-zinc alloy film can add unique charm to decorative items.

Surface protective coating: Tin-zinc alloy coating on the surface of metal materials, plastic products, etc. can play the role of anti-corrosion, anti-oxidation, anti-wear and other protective effects, improve the service life of the material and the appearance of quality.