Corrosion and (Green) Discoloration on Electronic Assemblies
Identifying issues and developing sustainable solutions to protect assembled PCBs.
corrosion on electronic assembliesGreen Discoloration or Corrosion on Your Electronic Assemblies?
Discoloration and corrosion are not just aesthetic issues—they can significantly affect the functionality and reliability of your assembled PCBs. Through targeted protective measures and comprehensive analysis, we help you identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions.
green discoloration / corrosion What to Do About Discoloration and Corrosion on Electronic Assemblies?
Discoloration and corrosion on electronic assemblies increase contact resistance and reduce electrical conductivity. Affected surfaces may also lose their solderability and bondability, significantly compromising the functionality of the assemblies.
In some cases, corrosion promotes the formation of leakage currents, potentially leading to short circuits. These temporary conductive paths between adjacent conductors can have severe consequences and significantly impact the reliability of the assemblies. Addressing such complex challenges requires precise analysis to develop targeted preventive measures and ensure long-term durability.
Get expert advice on the optimal solution and learn how we can help protect your assemblies sustainably.
corrosion on electronic assembliesTypical Visual Characteristics of Corrosion
Corrosion often occurs in particularly vulnerable areas exposed to moisture or aggressive environmental conditions. These external influences attack metallic surfaces and can lead to significant functional failures. Early detection of corrosion is crucial to prevent severe damage. Typical signs include:
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Crystals or needle-like structures on component surfaces, screws, or metal housings, often caused by the deposition of corrosion products under specific environmental conditions.
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Discoloration in various shades such as red, blue, green, black, or white, depending on the corrosion mechanism and affected materials.
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Spots or deposits of corrosion products appearing on component surfaces.
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Visible scarring on affected components, indicating deeper damage caused by progressive corrosion.
The following images illustrate typical corrosion damage on electronic assemblies:
Visible signs of corrosion may indicate damage and compromise the functionality of your electronic assemblies. Do you recognize similar signs?
causes of corrosionChemical Influences on Corrosion
orrosion often begins with the oxidation of metal surfaces due to exposure to oxygen and moisture. This process is accelerated by various chemical elements and compounds. Halides such as chlorine and bromine, belonging to the group of aggressive halogens, are highly corrosive and can cause significant damage to metallic surfaces. These elements specifically attack metals like copper, silver, and gold-nickel coatings (ENIG/ENEPIG), significantly accelerating the corrosion process.
Other compounds, such as sulfur and phosphorus, also contribute to corrosion. Additionally, harmful gases from the surrounding air can promote corrosion by depositing on metal surfaces and accelerating their degradation. Metals like zinc, iron, and aluminum are particularly susceptible to these chemical influences.
Understanding these chemical factors is crucial for detecting corrosion-related damage early and implementing effective protective measures.
Below, we present examples of typical corrosion phenomena on electronic assemblies:
Detecting chemical influences at an early stage enables the development of targeted protective measures. Learn more about our customized solutions for protecting your electronic assemblies.
corrosion on electronic assembliesTesting for Product Validation and Failure Analysis
Corrosion-induced failures often occur during a product’s service life but can also be triggered during product validation testing. To simulate and detect oxidation processes early, a variety of tests are available to stimulate corrosion, including:
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Flower of Sulfur (FoS) Test / ASTM B809-95(2018)
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Corrosion testing with flowing mixed gas / IEC 60068-2-60:2015
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Climate stress tests, such as
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K-08: Cyclic damp heat
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K-14: Constant damp heat
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K-16: Thermal shock (without enclosure)
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Targeted analyses and early-stage protective measures can not only prevent failures but also significantly reduce costs associated with production downtimes and returns. A thorough investigation of failure causes is essential to ensuring long-term reliability.
contact usCustomized Corrosion Protection Measures
We provide comprehensive support in identifying root causes and developing tailored protective measures to detect and prevent corrosion-related failures. This ensures that your assemblies meet the highest reliability standards over the long term.