February 4, 2026 - Updated
March 5, 2012 - Originally Posted
Dendritic Growth and Contamination at BGA Sites
https://www.circuitnet.com/experts/uploads/1/bga_dendrite.jpg We have 180 assemblies where our subcontractor replaced five BGA memory devices. Unfortunately they utilized active flux and then did not perform an automated cleaning, instead they hand washed.
We are now experiencing latent failures due to dendritic growth. (see photo) Is there any way to recover these boards?
R.D.
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Electrolytic corrosion resulting in dendritic growth results in metal crystals across the isolation zones and, although difficult to clean thoroughly, can be removed if it is a freely accessible area with a mixture of solvent and mechanical brushing. Underneath a BGA it would be virtually impossible without removing the BGA first.
Perhaps, you could remove the BGA, then clean up the area and replace the BGA again. This would be the only possibility in my opinion and even then the clean up would have to be very thorough.
Bryan Kerr
Principal Engineer - CMA Lab, BAE Systems
Bryan Kerr has 35 years experience in providing technical support to PEC assembly manufacturing. His experience ranges from analysis of materials and components to troubleshooting and optimizing, selecting reflow, cleaning, coating and other associated processes.
My suggestion is to remove BGA's and clean the boards in a water wash or solvent cleaner after removing the BGA component and also brush them with a brush in alcohol to insure complete removal of the ionic contamination and the physical dendrite itself.
It is not unusual for ionics to be imbedded in the dendrite itself thus the need to wash and brush the board clean. I would then replace the BGA back onto the board with correct flux system and then clean again.
Mark McMeen
VP Engineering Services, STI Electronics Inc.
Mark T. McMeen is STI Electronics Inc.ʼs Vice President of Engineering Services. He oversees the daily operations of the Engineering Services division of STI. He has over 18 years experience in the manufacturing and engineering of PCBs.
If these boards are not considered to be "beyond repair" then yes they can be recovered. It would be of great importance to confirm whether the dendrites have consumed enough of the metals to cause concern for reliable operations after the cleaning process.
We have been using a combination of saponified in-line wash and steam energy from a handheld type system for close to a decade now to recover assemblies in this exact condition. The important thing to remember is using the proper type of steamer with experienced operators that will not increase the potential for other component damage.
In an effort to remain non-commercial in this forum I would encourage you to contact me offline for further information.
Eric Camden
Lead Investigator, Foresite, Inc
Eric has been in the electronics industry for over 14 years and manages the C3 technical user group, Failure Analysis project management, Rescue Cleaning Division and is one of three Lead Investigators at Foresite.
It might be possible. Foresite in Kokomo Indiana is an IPC member and has had success with many cleaning failure challenges. I don't know if they have tackled the BGA problem that you are seeing but I think it is worth a call to Terry Munson.
David Bergman
VP International Relations, IPC
David W. Bergman is Vice President of International Relations for IPC. He has worked at IPC for more than 30 years responsible for IPC standardization efforts, education and certification programs. Currently, David is responsible for globalization activities, including IPC's China and India offices and reps in Europe and Russia.
Obviously this was an error as all active flux residues must be cleaned.
The question is, what type of active flux exactly, OA, RMA, RA? You may be able to salvage the boards by using a cleaning agent with a low surface tension (either vapor defluxing or a specialty hydrocarbon, such as one of the d-limonene based products). Most solvent manufacturers have a lab where they can run aboard or two for you at now charge to verify the process.
Contact me directly if you'd like more info. Good luck!
Rick Perkins
President, Chem Logic
Rick Perkins is a chemical engineer with more than 33 years of Materials & Processes experience. He has worked with Honeywell Aerospace in high-reliability manufacturing, as well as with several oil-field manufacturing companies. He also has a good understanding of environmental, health, and safety regulations.
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