What Is A Low-K Dielectric Material?
The demand for low-k composites is experiencing a considerable increase due to the broad tunability
of dielectric constants along with stress-free processing. Basically, these are
low surface energy materials.
What Does Low Dielectric Constant Mean?
In general, dielectric constant (k) is the ratio of a material’s absolute permittivity (ε) to that of vacuum’s permittivity (ε o). It may also be called the relative permittivity of a substance. Since the dielectric constant simply describes the ratio between two similar measures, it is said to be dimensionless. Thus, k = ε / ε o.
In simple language, it’s the physical measure of how easily a material can be polarized electrically.
Classifying dielectrics as low-k or high-k depends on different fields and disciplines. However, low-k dielectrics usually have a dielectric constant lower than that of silicon dioxide i.e., k < 3.9.
What Is A Low-K Material?
A low-k dielectric material is insulating in nature to exhibit weak polarization when subjected to externally applied electric fields for the generation of electric dipoles. It has a lesser dielectric constant in relation to the values of silicon dioxide. Its initial and most notable implementation is to support continued scaling of microelectronic devices.
A simplified classification of low-k dielectrics materials is as under:
Si-containing → Silica-based (SiOF/ SiOCH) and SilseSQuioxane-based (HSSQ/ MSSQ)
Non-Si-containing → Polymers (amorphous carbon)
Historically, the first known low-k materials were silica-based, whereas the non-Si based materials are mostly organic polymers. The introduction of porosity and selecting chemical bonds with low polarization helps achieve a lower dielectric constant.
What Are The Advantages Of Low Dielectric Materials?
Although low-k dielectric composite materials put forward quite a few challenges, strict requirements in terms of reliability and properties are to be taken care of during the production stage. This makes low dielectric constant materials beneficial for industrial use offering the following advantages:
Decreased material density
Low polarization
Reduced modulus and hardness
Reduced thermal conductivity
Higher coefficient of thermal expansion
Reduced parasitic capacitance
Limited adhesion performance compared to traditional dielectrics
Low dielectric constant values are preferred for high power or high-frequency applications to minimize electric power loss. Its ideal use is for insulation purposes.
Want To Know More? Contact Verretec Composite Materials, LLC!
Low-k materials are essential components for a range of industrial applications. If you’d like to know more about its uses or manufacturing processes, get in touch with our representatives at Verretec Composite Materials, LLC.
We cater to all sorts of glass composition requirements to make the material innovative and suitable enough for commercial/ industrial practices regarding low-k dielectric materials.
Call us at (724) 543-2333 or leave your business inquiries associated with low dielectric materials on this contact form.
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