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Copper Abietate Kester

Green copper corrosion after soldering.

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73 views1 page

Copper Abietate Kester

Green copper corrosion after soldering.

Uploaded by

Road Blaster
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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®

Green Corrosion with Rosin Flux?

In many applications where soldering is done with an excessive amount of rosin flux there appears on
the copper surface a green residue similar to corrosion.

Chemical Commercial water-white rosin consists of about 80% sylvic (or abietic) acid. The
Reaction balance is other isomeric forms of diterpene organic acids which do not enter into
the reaction of soldering. Abietic acid when heated combines directly with the
oxide on the copper surface, yielding a copper abietate. This is the green, soapy-
looking material which resembles corrosion products of copper. The formation of
copper abietate is noticed readily on wire under clear Teflon for two reasons. First,
simply because the clear Teflon can be seen through. Second, because the
Teflon during soldering rapidly expands and contracts, thus trapping the rosin with
some ionizing solvent under the insulation. The abietic acid does not attack the
copper metal under any condition. This abietate formation is peculiar to copper
surfaces since the only common abietate salt is of copper.

Activated Most soldering applications require a more active flux in order to clean the surface
Fluxes oxide. Activated rosin fluxes contain small quantities (0.2% to 5%) of organic
activating agents. The purpose of these activators is to catalyze the rosin copper
oxide reaction so that a better soldering job can be obtained. The catalytic agents
do not enter into the reaction and do not cause subsequent corrosion. However,
the presence of these activators does impel the rosin (abietic acid) to combine with
the copper oxide to form the green copper abietate compound. Copper abietate is
not conductive and forms a green insulating coating on copper. Usually the dark
rosin residue conceals this normal formation of green copper abietate.

Solution Concern develops over the green residue because copper abietate cannot readily
to the be distinguished from corrosion products of copper. The degree to which the flux
Problem is activated has little bearing on the problem. The activators are still present in
sufficient quantity to trigger the copper abietate formation. The best way to
minimize the green residue is to use copper with a minimal amount of oxidation.
Reducing the amount of rosin flux used will also minimize the amount of residue.

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The data recommendations presented are based on tests, which we consider reliable. Because Kester has no control over the conditions of use, we disclaim any responsibility connected with the
use of any of our products or the information presented. We advise that all chemical products be used only by or under the direction of technically qualified personnel who are aware of the
potential hazards involved and the necessity for reasonable care in their handling. The technical information contained herein is consistent with the properties of this material but should not be
used in the preparation of specifications as it is intended for reference only. For assistance in preparing specifications, please contact your local Kester office for details.

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