Leading University (from UK) : Liverpool John Moores University
Participating Universities : Gunma University (Japan) Universiti Malaysia Perlis(Malaysia)

Project Summary:
Electrification of vehicles is one of the main routes to achieve one of the COP26 objectives ‘We must accelerate the transition to zero carbon transport, phasing out petrol and diesel engines’. The inclusion of embedded power electronics and other safety critical electronics systems in these vehicles, particularly autonomous drive, are pushing a growing need in reliability for long term survivability. The weakest link for these electronics devices are the solder interconnects.

Sn-Ag-Cu solder alloys are currently used as one of the most popular lead-free solder materials to replace the traditional toxic lead solders in order to fulfil the government regulations of RoHS, WEEE, and 11MP. However, it has been a big technical challenge to apply lead-free solder joints in power-electronics products used in electrified vehicles due to the high operation temperature.   

Aiming the above challenge, this project proposes to develop lead-free solder that doesn't degrade under high temperature by adding nanoparticles and micro-alloying, and study their performance and applications in power electronics and other harsh environments. 

Malaysia intends to reduce its Greenhouse Gas emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 relative to the level in 2005, where one of the six key sectors is transportation. In the Green Technology Master Plan Malaysia 2017-2030, Malaysia aims to achieve 100% of total industry volume to be Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) which includes fuel efficient vehicles, hybrid and electric vehicles. Malaysia is accelerating the two major initiatives: 1) the National Automotive Policy 2014, focusing on the EEV and components localisation; 2) the National Key Economy Areas in Electrical & Electronics 2018, enabling electric vehicle component manufacturing. This project accelerating the electrification of vehicles is aligned to these policies, resulting in significant impact on economic development and social welfare. 

Objective of the Research:

  1. To establish a new research network and sustainable collaboration in the field of green electronics and green vehicles by the trilateral academic collaboration with wider industrial engagement and by attracting early career researchers across the three partner countries.
  2. To promote the awareness of climate and environmental challenges in Malaysia by presenting the research outcomes and related scientific knowledge on green electronics through public events including school trips, social media, our web sites and blogs, and publications.  
  3. To develop novel lead-free solder materials and high reliable electric interconnects for power electronics and electric vehicles, accelerating the electrification of vehicles and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.