THICK-FILM DENSIFICATION FOR PYROELECTRIC SENSORS

Densification and adherence of thick films are usually achieved by the addition of a glass frit in the screen printing ink. However, the gla ss may have a detrimental effect on the electrical properties of the a ctive component as a ferroelectric. The addition of a new step-the app lication of a uniaxial or isostatic pressure on the dry film--to the s tandard processing of thick films, enables one to obtain a good densif ication of the films, even without the use of glass. The efficiency of this new densification process of PZT-based films or 'supported type microceramics' is demonstrated. Pyroelectric properties of the screen printed layers are compared to those of ceramics of the same compositi on.