Vapor Displacement
Thermal phenomenon where trapped air or vaporized liquids escape from solid materials during the high temperature cycles of board fabrication or assembly. Common occurrences of outgassing result from moisture absorbed into the substrate or trapped cleaning fluids that expand and burst through plated walls. This release of gas can displace molten solder during joint formation, leading to voiding or incomplete electrical connections.
Controlled baking before assembly often prevents this discharge.
Void Formation
Visible bubbles in the solder joints serve as evidence of outgassing inside the barrel of a via or on the surface of a copper pad. If the rate of vapor escape is high, the solder is pushed away before it can solidify properly. This creates structural weaknesses that are detectable via x-ray inspection systems.
Ensuring dry materials minimize these gas events.
Vacuum Interference
High altitude or space environments are sensitive to the steady release of volatile compounds from plastic circuit components over time. In these contexts, outgassing refers to the migration of residues from the board that could condense on sensitive optical sensors or other external instruments. Specialized low-outgassing materials are specified for these extreme applications.
Testing ensures that boards remain stable in a vacuum.