Forming silver conductive thick films by microwave heating

This study investigated a microwave-assisted processing route for the synthesis of conductive thick films on dielectric substrates starting from silver (Ag) and a glass frit powder mixture paste. A single mode microwave (2.45 GHz) applicator was used to reduce the processing time and improve the energy efficiency compared with conventional heating. The microstructures of the Ag-based conductive thick films that were fired using conventional and microwave heating were observed. After 300 s of microwave treatment, the shrinkage of the microwave-fired Ag conductive thick films was similar to the conventionally processed films at 580°C for 30 min. The results suggested that the drastic reduction of the substrate temperature and the rapid processing time were significant advantages because both helped to minimize the Ag diffusion into the glass, thus reducing the unwanted yellowing phenomena.