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 glass may have a detrimental effect on the electrical properties of the active component as a ferroelectric. The addition of a new step-the application of a uniaxial or isostatic pressure on the dry film--to the standard processing of thick films, enables one to obtain a good densification 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 composition.