• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (2): 115-130.doi: 10.3901/JME.260041

Previous Articles    

Application Challenges and Research Progress of Copper Sintering for Power Module Packaging

ZHU Ruikang1, JIA Qiang1,2, WANG Yishu1, ZHANG Hongqiang3, MA Limin1, ZOU Guisheng4, GUO Fu1,5   

  1. 1. College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124;
    2. Chongqing Research Institute, Beijing University of Technology, Chongqing 400015;
    3. School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191;
    4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084;
    5. School of Mechanical Electrical Engineering, Beijing Information Science and Technology University, Beijing 100192
  • Received:2024-11-04 Revised:2025-06-15 Published:2026-03-02

Abstract: Benefit by its excellent performance and higher theoretical operating temperature, the third-generation semiconductor has been widely used in power devices, and the chip connection layer materials have also put forward strict requirements such as high temperature service and high reliability, and traditional packaging materials have been difficult to meet the needs of use. Because of its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity and good service reliability of its sintered joints, nano-copper is considered to be one of the potential options for packaging materials in the future, but it faces many problems and challenges in application, such as immature particle preparation technology, unstable storage of copper paste, and easy oxidation during sintering and service. The existing solutions to the application challenges currently faced by nano-copper sintering has been reviewed from three aspects:the preparation of nano-copper particles and the selection of organic substances in sintering-type copper pastes, the design of particle structure and the selection of sintering atmosphere. It discusses the effects, mechanisms, limitations and future application prospects of different strategies in avoiding oxidation during copper sintering. It focuses on analyzing the roles, advantages and limitations of three anti-oxidation methods in each stage of copper sintering application, as well as their synergistic effects in the entire copper sintering process. The aim is to promote the copper sintering technology to meet the challenges of oxidation and accelerate its application in the packaging of high-performance and high-power modules such as SiC chips.

Key words: the third generation semiconductor, sintered copper, anti-oxidation, high-temperature reliability

CLC Number: