Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Electrode Additive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer ceramic capacitors face reliability issues due to internal electrode shrinkage, agglomeration, and connectivity degradation during the sintering process, leading to reduced capacitance and increased impedance, especially in high-frequency applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conductive metal and additive in the internal electrodes with a specific content ratio of 0.63 to 1.03 in the upper, lower, and central portions, and using a conductive paste with sulfur content of 500 ppm or less to minimize shrinkage and ensure even additive dispersion, thereby preventing electrode agglomeration and enhancing sintering stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a ceramic green sheet is sintered at high temperature (>1100°C) to form a dielectric layer, then the dielectric layer is successfully formed, but the internal electrodes shrink beyond desired size and may agglomerate or break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the conductive paste by incorporating specific additives (such as boron-containing compounds, silicon-containing compounds, or organic additives) that change the sintering behavior of the internal electrodes. This allows the electrodes to maintain their dimensions and morphology during high-temperature sintering while the dielectric layer forms properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances (additives) into the conductive paste that act as mediators during the sintering process. These additives form protective phases or eutectic compounds that prevent direct contact and agglomeration between internal electrode particles, thereby maintaining electrode integrity and dimensional stability at high sintering temperatures.
2Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is pursued to reduce device size, then the component becomes smaller and more efficient, but the internal electrodes are more prone to shrinkage and agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by incorporating additives specifically in the conductive paste formulation that target the internal electrode regions. These additives create localized protective environments around the electrode particles, preventing shrinkage and agglomeration even in miniaturized structures where the electrodes are more vulnerable to thermal effects.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in a multilayer ceramic capacitor with improved reliability and higher capacitance by reducing electrode contraction and maintaining connectivity, allowing for smaller, more efficient, and high-capacitance devices.
Implementation Method 1
forming a ceramic body including a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of internal electrodes by sintering the ceramic laminate
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic body including a dielectric layer and first and second internal electrodes which face each other with the dielectric layer interposed therebetween. The first and second internal electrodes include a conductive metal and an additive. In a cross-section of the ceramic body in the length-thickness (L-T) plane, a ratio of content of the additive in the first and second internal electrodes in upper and lower portions of the ceramic body to a content of the additive in the first and second internal electrodes in a central portion of the ceramic body is around 0.63 to around 1.03.