Lead-free ceramics
Prior to sintering, LTCC mainly consists of
aluminum oxide powder with a high share of
glass, as well as softeners making the film
pliable, binders and organic ingredients that
burn out while sintering. An aluminum oxide
tape which is removed after sintering, helps
to prevent shrinkage. The ceramic material
completely dispenses with lead, thus
significantly contributing toward the
environmental compatibility of the electronic
systems.
Sintering at 900 °C
Thanks to their special composition and glass particles, the ceramics obtain their required hardness even at low temperatures. Whereas conventional ceramics have been sintered at 1600 °C to date, the initially leathery LTCC ceramic films are molded already at a mere 900 °C.