Patent ID: 6447712
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: C04B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for sintering a green ceramic tape having a thickness less than or equal to about 100 microns prior to sintering which comprises the steps of:(a) prior to sintering, applying at least one top and at least one bottom setter powder deposition sheet to the top and bottom surfaces of the tape, respectively, wherein the setter powder deposition sheet comprises a carrier having a binder layer impregnated with setter powder or particles, wherein the setter powder or particles are ceramic powder or particles which constitute between about 1% and about 15% by weight of the binder layer; (b) prior to sintering, placing a bottom cover plate such that the bottom setter powder deposition sheet is positioned between the bottom surface of the tape and the bottom cover plate; (c) prior to sintering, placing a top cover plate such that the top setter powder deposition sheet is positioned between the top surface of the tape and the top cover plate, wherein the force applied by the top cover plate to the top and bottom sheets and the tape is selected so that the tape remains flat during sintering and so that shrinkage of the tape in a plane parallel to the cover plate can occur during sintering, said shrinkage causing movement of the setter particles; and (d) sintering the green ceramic tape.