One of the objectives of the Action was the provision of a self-consistent thermodynamic database for lead-free solder materials and substrates. Critically assessed thermodynamic parameters for more than 50 binary systems have been collected from the literature or have been provided directly by a programme of experimental and assessment work as part of the COST Action. These data were supplemented by parameters for ternary systems to provide a self-consistent thermodynamic database. The database has been tested thoroughly using a range of available software to ensure its portability.
This volume has been created using this database in conjunction with commercial software developed for the calculation of phase equilibria from critically assessed date. Three different software packages were used – MTDATA, Thermo-Calc and PANDAT. A variety of diagrams are presented in this volume calculated with each of these packages. The aim is to demonstrate the scope and potential of the database, to provide the researches with important and useful information about crucial systems used in lead-free soldering, to describe how the database has been developed as a result of collaboration between a large number of European partners and show how it can be used with appropriate software as an aid in the design and use of solders.