Preparation, crystallization, and wetting of ZnO-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 glass-ceramics for sealing to Kovar

A novel type of ZnO-Al₂O₃-B₂O₃-SiO₂ glass-ceramics sealing to Kovar in electronic packaging was developed, whose thermal expansion coefficient and electrical resistance are 5.2× 10⁻⁶/°C and over 1× 10¹³ Ω.cm, respectively. The major crystalline phases in the glass-ceramic seals were ZnAl₂O₄, ZnB₂O₄, and NaSiAl₂O₄. The dielectric resistance of the glass-ceramic could be remarkably enhanced through the control of alkali metal ions into crystal lattices. It was found that crystallization happened first on the surface of the sample, leaving the amorphous phase in the inner, which made the glass suitable for sealing. The glass-ceramic showed better wetting on the Kovar surface, and sealing atmosphere and temperature had great effect on the wetting angle. Strong interfacial bonding was obtained, which was mainly attributed to the interfacial reaction between SiO₂ and FeO or Fe₃O₄.