Tomasz Matusiak, Krzysztof Swiderski, Jan Macioszczyk, Piotr Jamroz, Pawel Pohl and Leszek Golonka
The purpose of this paper is to present a study on miniaturized instruments for analytical chemistry with a microplasma as the excitation source.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a study on miniaturized instruments for analytical chemistry with a microplasma as the excitation source.
Design/methodology/approach
The atmospheric pressure glow microdischarge could be ignited inside a ceramic structure between a solid anode and a liquid cathode. As a result of the cathode sputtering of the solution, it was possible to determine its chemical composition by analyzing the emission spectra of the discharge. Cathodes with microfluidic channels and two types of anodes were constructed. Both types were tested through experimentation. Impact of the electrodes geometry on the discharge was established. A cathode aperture of various sizes and anodes made from different materials were used.
Findings
The spectroscopic properties of the discharge and its usefulness in the analysis depended on the ceramic structure. The surface area of the cathode aperture and the flow rate of the solution influence on the detection limits (DLs) of Zn and Cd.
Originality/value
Constructed ceramic structures were able to excite elements and their laboratory-size systems. During the experiments, Zn and Cd were detected with DLs 0.024 and 0.053 mg/L, respectively.
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L. Golonka, J. Kozlowski and K. Nitsch
The rapid assessment of thick film resistor reliability is presented. This relies on the application of constant power pulses. The long‐term stability of the resistors is…
Abstract
The rapid assessment of thick film resistor reliability is presented. This relies on the application of constant power pulses. The long‐term stability of the resistors is predicted on the basis of the value of the minimal destroyed power applied during the pulse. The results are compared with the long‐term behaviour of the tested samples.
L. Golonka, J. Kozlowski, B.W. Licznerski, K. Nitsch and A. Seweryn
This paper presents experimental data associated with the properties of thick film thermistors based on a spinel‐type semiconducting oxide/RuO2/glass system. The following…
Abstract
This paper presents experimental data associated with the properties of thick film thermistors based on a spinel‐type semiconducting oxide/RuO2/glass system. The following parameters—sheet resistivity, thermistor (B) and thermal time (?) constants—have been measured, all as functions of different composition and construction variants. The thermistor properties are independent of configuration and are mainly determined by the semiconducting oxide particle chains. The correlation between B and ? for the compositions considered has been observed.
L.J. Golonka, M. Buczek, M. Hrovat, D. Belavič, A. Dziedzic, H. Roguszczak and T. Zawada
To find properties of screen printed PZT (PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 with 6 per cent of PbO and 2 per cent of Pb5Ge3O11) thick films layers on LTCC substrate.
Abstract
Purpose
To find properties of screen printed PZT (PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 with 6 per cent of PbO and 2 per cent of Pb5Ge3O11) thick films layers on LTCC substrate.
Design/methodology/approach
The influence of PZT firing time and electrode materials on electrical characteristics and microstructure were examined. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDS) analyser was used for the microstructural and compositional analysis.
Findings
Microstructural and compositional analyses have shown the diffusion of SiO2 from LTCC into PZT layers and the diffusion of PbO in the opposite direction. SiO2 presumably forms low permitivity lead based silicates in PZT layer. The new phase deteriorates the piezoelectric properties. The amount of diffused materials was dependent upon the electrode material and increased with increasing firing time. Better properties, i.e. higher remanent polarisation and dielectric constant were achieved for samples with PdAg electrodes and shorter firing time.
Originality/value
New information on electrical and microstructural properties of thick film PZT made on LTCC substrate.
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Marko Hrovat, Darko Belavič, Jaroslaw Kita, Janez Holc, Silvo Drnovšek, Jena Cilenšek, Leszek Golonka and Andrzej Dziedzic
Aims to evaluate different thick‐film materials for use in strain sensors and temperature sensors on low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates.
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to evaluate different thick‐film materials for use in strain sensors and temperature sensors on low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates.
Design/methodology/approach
LTCC materials are sintered at the low temperatures typically used for thick‐film processing, i.e. around 850°C, The thick‐film resistor materials for use as strain and temperature sensors on LTCC tapes are studied. Thick‐film piezo‐resistors in the form of strain‐gauges are realised with 10 kΩ/sq. 2041 (Du Pont)and 3414‐B (ESL), resistor materials; thick‐film temperature‐dependent resistors were made from PTC 5093 (Du Pont), and NTC‐4993 (EMCA Remex) resistor materials.
Findings
The X‐ray spectra of the 2041 and 3414‐Bb low TCR resistors after drying at 150°C and after firing display more or less the same peaks. The electrical characteristics of 2041 resistors fired on alumina and LTCC substrates are similar indicating that the resistors are compatible with the LTCC material. After firing on LTCC substrates the sheet resistivities and TCRs of the 3414‐B resistors increased. Also, there is a significant increase in the GFs from 13 to over 25.
Originality/value
Investigates the compatibility of thick‐film materials and the characteristics of the force and temperature sensors.
Details
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Eszter Horvath, Gabor Henap and Gabor Harsanyi
In microfluidic channel fabrication in low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC), one of the biggest challenges is the elimination of channel deformation during lamination. The…
Abstract
Purpose
In microfluidic channel fabrication in low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC), one of the biggest challenges is the elimination of channel deformation during lamination. The purpose of this paper is to describe the expected deformation of the substrate and the sacrificial layer (starch powder and 3D printed UV polymerized material) during the lamination process of microfluidic structure fabrication.
Design/methodology/approach
Uniaxial compression and Jenike shear test were used to obtain the mechanical parameters of starch sacrificial volume material (SVM). To determine the stress‐strain characteristics of LTCC a uniaxial compression experiment was conducted. The shape of the laminated LTCC containing embedded channel was modeled by finite element method using the mechanical parameters obtained by the measurements.
Findings
It was found that the choice of SVM plays an important role in channel deformation. A design rule is given considering the channel width and the choice of SVM based on the simulation results.
Originality/value
Until now the lamination step of LTCC technology was only optimized in an empirical way.
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The paper aims to present numerical modeling and technology of a very first three axial low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) accelerometer.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to present numerical modeling and technology of a very first three axial low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) accelerometer.
Design/methodology/approach
Low temperature cofired ceramics technology was applied in the fabrication process of the novel device. The numerical modeling was used to predict the properties of the accelerometer, moreover, design of the experiment methodology was used to reduce time of simulation and to get as much as information from the experiment as possible.
Findings
The low temperature cofired ceramics make it possible to fabricate three axial accelerometer.
Research limitations/implications
The presented device is just a first prototype. Therefore, further research work will be needed to improve structural drawbacks and to analyze precisely the device reliability and parameters repeatability.
Practical implications
The device presented in the paper can be applied in systems working in a harsh environment (high temperature and humidity). Ceramic sensors can withstand temperatures up to 600°C.
Originality/value
This paper presents novel three axial LTCC accelerometer.
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Jan Macioszczyk, Karol Malecha and Leszek J. Golonka
The purpose of this paper is a presentation of a miniature vertical dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma generators. The presented devices, with sub- and superstrate, were…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is a presentation of a miniature vertical dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma generators. The presented devices, with sub- and superstrate, were made using low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC). Such construction allowed to measure discharge spectra and device temperature easily.
Design/methodology/approach
The generators were made in the Du Pont 951 system with silver vertical metallizations and PdAg contacts. The devices had electrodes with different width and height. Also, the distance between them could be established. They were placed on substrate with buried temperature sensor and covered with a ceramic lid. The lid had opening to measure emitted light. Different configurations of vertical DBD were tested.
Findings
Geometry of vertical metallizations influences on spectra, as well as distance between them. Signal-to-noise ratio had a maximum for certain generators and can be measured by the intensity of highest peak.
Research limitations/implications
Height of vertical metallizations is limited by the difference in shrinkage of LTCC tape and via paste. Parameters of temperature sensors vary between measurements, according to rapid changes of temperature and presence of strong electric field.
Practical implications
The generators can be used for creating discharge for optical emission spectrometry. It is a convenient method to determine the amount of selected gas compounds.
Originality/value
This paper shows fabrication and performance of the novel vertical DBD generators with ceramic additions for convenient spectra measurement and monitoring temperature of the device during work.