ABSTRACT
The miniaturization of electronic devices and the consequent decrease in the distance between conductive lines have increased the risk of short circuit failure due to electrochemical migration (ECM). The presence of ionic contaminants affects the ECM process. This work systematically investigates the ECM of tin (Sn) in the presence of bromide ions (Br-) in the range of 10-6 M to 1.0 M. Water drop test (WDT) was conducted in the two-probe semiconductor characterization system under an optical microscope as an in-situ observation. Polarization test was carried out to study the correlation between the corrosion properties of Sn and its ECM behaviour. The products of ECM were characterized by scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive X-rays spectrometer (SEM/EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The results confirm that the rate of anodic dissolution of Sn monotonously increases with the Br- concentration. However, the probability of ECM failure follows a normal distribution initially, but later increases with the Br- concentration. The main products of the ECM reactions are identified as Sn dendrites and tin hydroxide precipitates. The mechanisms of the ECM process of Sn in the presence of Br- are also suggested.
ABSTRACT
Many plants used as functional foods or for medicinal purposes have been criticized for their inconsistent physiological effects. Variation in genotype and environmental conditions under which plants are produced can contribute to this inconsistency in biochemical composition. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a medicinal plant that not only can lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels in animals, but also can be used as a forage crop for livestock feed. Seed content for the bioactive compounds diosgenin, galactomannan and 4-hydroxyisoleucine was characterized for ten fenugreek genotypes under rainfed and irrigated conditions. High and low seed yielding genotype/environment combinations were identified that possessed distinct biochemical and seed production traits. In general high seed yielding genotype/environment combinations exhibited a more stable biochemical composition and consisted largely of irrigated fenugreek. This research indicates that comprehensive biochemical analysis of plant products would facilitate the development of more reliable produce for use by the functional food/medicinal plant industry.
