Auger analysis of surface films on Ag3Sn

The surface properties of Ag3Sn are important in the amalgamation process so that mechanical abrasion is generally necessary to get a satisfactory amalgam. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to characterize the surface of Ag3Sn after several types of surfaces treatments. Homogeneous polycrystalline rods of Ag3Sn were prepared in vacuo from high purity (99.99%) Ag and Sn. Specimens were sliced from these rods and prepared as follows: (1) mechanically polished, (2) polished as in (1) and allowed to sit in air for three days and (3) polished as in (1) and electrolytically etched. Each of these specimens was examined by Auger electron spectroscopy. The results showed that after mechanical abrasion the surface film was primarily oxide and the Ag to Sn ratio was lower than the bulk composition, indicating preferential oxidation of Sn. After sitting in air sulfur was also present on the surface and the Ag to Sn ratio was greater than that immediately after polishing, indicating the formation of Ag2S. After electrolytic etching some oxide was still present, but only a trace of sulfide was found. However, the Ag to Sn ratio was greater than that for mechanically polished specimens, indicating preferential dissolution of Sn. Therefore, it is seen that the surface preparation of Ag3Sn has a marked effect on Ag and Sn concentrations and the nature of films at the surface.