NanoFoil® is composed of thousands of alternating nano scale layers of aluminum and nickel that are vapor deposited on a substrate.
How does NanoFoil® work?
A small pulse of energy from an electrical, optical, or thermal source activates a chemical reaction between the Al and Ni layers of the foil. As the reaction flows through the foil, an immense amount of heat is released. This heat can reach temperatures of 1500°C for a very short period of time, but long enough to reflow solder. The average time from activation to the reaction of the NanoFoil® is 10milliseconds, or just 1/100th of a second. The foil also cools quickly and can be safely handled within seconds of the reaction.
Is NanoFoil® Pb-free and RoHS compliant?
NanoFoil® is both Pb-free and RoHS compliant. Please see our MSDS for more information.
What are the common applications for NanoFoil®?
NanoFoil® is being used to bond sputtering targets to backing plates, and in electronics assembly for component bonding, including LED-attach and concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) attachment. However, NanoFoil’s versatility opens it up to a variety of other applications. Visit our applications section or contact us to find out how NanoFoil can work for your manufacturing process.
What materials can NanoFoil® be used to bond?
NanoFoil® can be used to bond many types of ceramic and metal components. Visit our applications section or contact us to find out how NanoFoil can work for your manufacturing process.
What is NanoBond®?
NanoBond® is a process of bonding two components with solder using NanoFoil® as a heat source. When activated, the foil creates a self-sustaining reaction that acts as a rapid and controllable localized heat source to melt adjoining solder layers, bonding components together.
Why is NanoBond® technology better than other methods of joining?
NanoFoil utilizes controlled, localized heat and thus can be engineered to deliver broad ranges of reaction temperatures, reaction rates and reaction energies in any environment. It overcomes the problems and challenges presented by current bonding solution because NanoBonding does not need to use a reflow oven. Your substrates are not exposed to long periods of high temperature; therefore you have little warping caused by CTE stresses. This means that dissimilar materials, such as metal to ceramics, can be bonded easily and affordably.
Will I have to upgrade my manufacturing facilities in order to use the foil?
No, it is not necessary to upgrade your manufacturing facilities. NanoFoil® enables rapid room temperature soldering or brazing with minimal equipment.
What types of customers are using NanoFoil®?
Customers are using NanoFoil® for sputter target bonding and attaching power amplifiers to metal core boards.
How does the cost of using NanoFoil® compare to other traditional bonding methods?
The cost of bonding with NanoFoil® is usually less expensive than other traditional bonding methods. If your components have issues with temperature exposure, or your current process is very expensive, NanoFoil can save you money. However, if you can solder a joint using a standard SAC solder preform or solder paste, NanoFoil is not your best option.
What is the strength of NanoFoil® before and after activation?
Shear strength of tin-plated blocks bonded using 30kg of force with a 60um thick foil have shown shear strengths up to 2000 lb. of force.
What are the properties of NanoFoil®?
Composition before Reaction: Ni and Al
Composition after Reaction: Ni50Al50
Foil Density: 5.7-6.1 g/cm3
Minimum Dimension: 1.2mm x 2.0mm
Heat of Reaction: 1050-1250 J/g
Reaction Velocity: 6-10 m/s
Maximum Reaction Temperature: 1350°-1500°C (2460°-2730°F)
Thermal Conductivity: 35-50 W/mK
What tools do I need to activate the NanoFoil®?
To activate NanoFoil® you can use a 9V battery, a lighter, an igniter, a laser, or anything that has enough density of energy to start the reaction. We recommend an electric pulse.
What is the temperature needed to activate the NanoFoil®?
200°C
How do you cut NanoFoil®?
We recommend laser ablation or cutting it with a glass cutter. A video is available to show you how to cut NanoFoil®. Detailed instructions are also available in the NanoFoil® User Guide.
Can NanoFoil® be activated during cutting/handling?
NanoFoil® can be activated if not handled properly. This is why we include detailed instruction on cutting and handling NanoFoil with every kit and with every purchase.
What are the laser cutting process parameters?
Laser cutting process parameters are detailed in an application note called NanoFoil® Laser Cutting Parameters. Please contact us if you have an interest in laser cutting NanoFoil.
Does the NanoFoil® need a special atmosphere for activation?
NanoFoil® can be activated in air, forming gas, under water, and even in ice.
How hot does NanoFoil® get?
NanoFoil® (40um to 60um) will experience temperatures as hot as 1000°C for a very short time. Since this time is so short, standard NanoFoil can melt solder up to the temperature of Au80/Sn20, which has a melting point of 280°C. However, we are experimenting with brazing. Please contact us if you are interested in other applications for NanoFoil.
What happens to the NanoFoil® once activated?
Activation creates a reaction wave that passes through the material. For this reason, we utilize multiple ignition points for large area bonds. Upon activation, the layers of nickel and aluminum react, release heat, and turn into nickel-aluminide.
What is tin-plated NanoFoil®?
In order to bond two components, the NanoFoil® is placed between the components along with two layers of solder. Tin-plated NanoFoil is nothing more than NanoFoil that has been plated with solder. So far we have successfully plated NanoFoil with tin and indium. Tin-plated NanoFoil has been coated with 10um of tin and is a standard product available for purchase.
What are some of the typical shapes that I can buy NanoFoil®?
NanoFoil® can be made in standard shapes such as squares, rectangles, and disks. We can also cut NanoFoil into special shapes; all we need is a CAD file. Please email us for a sample kit or contact us to speak with our laser cutting specialist.
What is the largest/smallest size/thickness of NanoFoil® available?
The largest piece of NanoFoil® that we have manufactured and shipped is a panel 43" long by 9" wide. We can manufacture and ship in any dimension up to that size. The smallest piece we make is 1.2 x 2mm. NanoFoil is available in thicknesses from 30um to 150um.
How can I purchase NanoFoil®?
NanoFoil® is available in a sample kit and demo sizes, as well as full scale production quantities.
Visit our online store to purchase kits and demo sizes
E-mail us to order a specific size in larger quantities
Contact our worldwide sales team to talk about how NanoFoil can be used for your application
