Experimental approach to assess the effect of metallization on the strength of functional ceramic components

An experimental approach is proposed, based on localized biaxial testing of brittle samples at several locations under different environments, to quantify the effect of surface features or metallization (e.g. contacting pads or cylindrical vias) on the strength distribution of functional ceramic components. It is found that cylindrical vias can act as weak points in the design (i.e. lower strength and reliability), whereas contacting pads can raise the strength of the component acting as a protective layer against environmental degradation.