Determination of Elemental Content in Solder Mask Samples Used in Printed Circuit Boards Using Different Spectroanalytical Techniques

Author(s)

Speranca, Marco Aurelio ^[1] ; Virgilio, Alex ^[1] ; Pereira-Filho, Edenir Rodrigues ^[1] ; Batista de Aquino, Francisco Wendel ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos UFSCar, Dept Quim, GAIA, POB 676, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Applied Spectroscopy; v. 72, n. 8, p. 1205-1214, AUG 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Solder masks are essential materials used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCB). This material protects PCBs against several types of damage and performance failure. In this study, the capabilities of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) were investigated for the direct analysis of solder masks typically commercialized for homemade PCB production, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to obtain a chemical profile for the target analytes Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Zn. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was also employed for the determination of potentially toxic elements, such as As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg. In addition to the qualitative information that may be useful for obtaining the spectral profile related to the raw materials present in solder masks formulations, LIBS was also applied for major elements (Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Zn) determination, but due to the low sensitivity, the obtained results were only semi-quantitative for Ba. Regarding Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb, the samples analyzed were following the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) directive of the European Union. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/18393-1 - Evaluation of gradient flow analysis as calibration strategy for spectroanalytical techniques with plasma source
• Grantee: Alex Virgilio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/04688-7 - Development of spectroanalytical methods for direct determination of toxic elements in polymeric materials of electronic waste by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
• Grantee: Francisco Wendel Batista de Aquino
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/01513-0 - Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) application in the analyses of electronic waste (printed circuit boards and polymers), food and difficult preparation liquid samples
• Grantee: Edenir Rodrigues Pereira Filho
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants