Di-block copolymer surfactant study to optimize filler dispersion in high dielectric constant polymer-ceramic composite

Embedded capacitor technology can: improve electrical performance and reduce assembly cost compared with traditional discrete capacitor technology. Polymer-ceramic composites have been of great interest as embedded capacitor material because they combine the processability of polymers with the desired electrical properties of ceramics. Dispersion of ceramic particles is a critical factor to affect the effective dielectric constant of polymer-ceramic composite. Di-block copolymer surfactants have been used to prevent agglomeration of the ceramic particles. It was found that di-block copolymer surfactant could improve the ceramic dispersion better than monomer surfactant. Using di-block copolymer surfactant, higher dielectric constant was achieved at lower ceramic loading level. This high dielectric constant polymer-ceramic composite material has much better mechanical properties and can be used for the integral capacitors in the SOP (system on a package) substrate. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.