Characterization of Ceramic Thick Film Consolidation

In many respects, the characterization of the consolidation of ceramic thick films is similar to that of bulk ceramics, which is discussed in Chapter 5. However, several important features of thick films make them unique. Their small thicknesses make some characterization techniques inapplicable and sample preparation for other characterization techniques more difficult. Also, in both screen-printed and tape-cast structures, the ceramic thick film is in intimate contact with one or more dissimilar materials such as a metal. This contact can produce interdiffusion and reactions between these phases. 

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