Patent ID: 8529780

Claim:
A method for making a ceramic substrate including the steps of: a. providing a matrix layer formed of: (1) a matrix material including at least one of: (a) a crystalline ceramic material, and (b) a glass material, (2) a second crystalline ceramic material, the second crystalline ceramic material being (a) different from any matrix material, and (b) interspersed within the matrix material, b. etching at least some of the second crystalline ceramic material out of at least a portion of the surface of the matrix layer to define a cavity structure within the matrix layer, the cavity structure including pores and/or passages defined within the matrix layer; c. providing a sealing layer defining a continuous sealing surface on the etched surface of the matrix layer, the sealing layer being situated atop at least a portion of the cavity structure, wherein the step of providing the sealing layer includes screenprinting a thixotropic glass paste atop the matrix layer.