Currently, in the field of aero-engines, aluminum nitride is more accurately positioned as a "high-temperature functional structural component." It utilizes its excellent thermal, electrical, and chemical properties to "assist" or "protect" engine systems, rather than serving as a "skeleton" bearing the main stresses.
The core advantages of aluminum nitride are: its extremely high thermal conductivity, its coefficient of thermal expansion matching that of semiconductor materials, its excellent electrical insulation, and its outstanding high-temperature resistance and radiation resistance. These properties make it crucial in the aerospace field.
However, the thermal conductivity of aluminum nitride varies depending on its quality/purity and specific application. The theoretical limiting thermal conductivity of ideal crystals can reach 320 W/m·K, but the thermal conductivity of commonly used industrial aluminum nitride is typically between 140–180 W/m·K.
For example, 2.5 mm thick aluminum nitride sheets are commonly used in industrial applications. This thickness of aluminum nitride sheet is neither as brittle as thinner sheets nor as lightweight as thicker sheets, and it has lower thermal resistance, making it an ideal choice for many industrial applications.
Core Applications of 2.5mm Aluminum Nitride Plates
1. High-Power Electronic Equipment and Thermal Management
----High-Power Semiconductor Heat Dissipation Substrates: Used in IGBT high-power modules to achieve circuit connection and efficient heat dissipation, ensuring stable device operation.
----Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) Components: Serves as an insulating and thermally conductive layer for the hot and cold surfaces of TECs, improving cooling efficiency.
----Laser Diode Supports: Provides stable mechanical support and critical heat dissipation channels for high-power lasers, ensuring beam quality and lifespan.
2. Semiconductor and Precision Manufacturing Equipment
In harsh manufacturing environments, the stability and corrosion resistance of 2.5mm aluminum nitride plates are crucial.
Semiconductor Process Components: Used as window material and focusing rings in etching, deposition, and other equipment, resistant to high-temperature plasma corrosion.
High-Precision Circuit Boards: Used in high-frequency communication and radio frequency (RF) modules, utilizing their low dielectric loss to ensure signal integrity.
3. Special Environment Applications
With its high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation properties, it can withstand extreme operating conditions.
Aerospace and Automotive Electronics: High-reliability packaging substrates used in the manufacture of engine sensors and satellite internal components, capable of withstanding severe temperature variations and radiation.
High-Voltage Power Electronics: Used as high-voltage insulating heat sinks in power transmission, electric vehicle inverters, and other systems.
Yuchang Laser's prototype materials include 2.5mm aluminum nitride. Interested viewers can watch the related video:
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSuUavXEw/
