Irreversible processes of spontaneous whisker growth in bimetallic Cu-Sn thin-film reactions

Using the thermodynamics of irreversible processes, we examine spontaneous interfacial reaction at room temperature in bimetallic Cu-Sn thin films. The reaction forms an intermetallic compound and is interfacial reaction limited. The volume change in forming the compound produces a biaxial compressive stress in the Sn film. The stress results in the growth of Sn whiskers to accompany the reaction. This is a case of an irreversible process of...