Surface Optimization of Micro-Integrated Reflective Optical Elements by Thermoset Injection Molding

Thermoset materials offer a multitude of advantageous properties in terms of shrinkage and warpage as well as mechanical, thermal and chemical stability compared to thermoplastic materials. Thanks to these properties, thermosets are commonly used to encapsulate electronic components on a 2nd-level p...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inApplied sciences Vol. 10; no. 12
Main Authors Guenther, Thomas, Diegel, Lars, Roeder, Marcel, Drexler, Marc, Haybat, Mehmet, Wappler, Peter, Soltani, Mahdi, Zimmermann, Andre
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published MDPI AG 15.06.2020
Subjects
Injection molding
Materials
Methods
Microoptoelectromechanical systems
Structural optimization
Thermosetting plastics
Germany
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Thermoset materials offer a multitude of advantageous properties in terms of shrinkage and warpage as well as mechanical, thermal and chemical stability compared to thermoplastic materials. Thanks to these properties, thermosets are commonly used to encapsulate electronic components on a 2nd-level packaging prior to assembly by reflow soldering on printed circuits boards or other substrates. Based on the characteristics of thermosets to develop a distinct skin effect due to segregation during the molding process, the surface properties of injection molded thermoset components resemble optical characteristics. Within this study, molding parameters for thermoset components are analyzed in order to optimize the surface quality of injection molded thermoset components. Perspectively, in combination with a reflective coating by e.g., physical vapor deposition, such elements with micro-integrated reflective optical features can be used as optoelectronic components, which can be processed at medium-ranged temperatures up to 230[degrees]C. The obtained results indicate the general feasibility since Ra values of 60 nm and below can be achieved. The main influencing parameters on surface quality were identified as the composition of filler materials and tool temperature. Keywords: thermoset; injection molding; micro-optics; reflective optics; surface characterization
ISSN:2076-3417
2076-3417
DOI:10.3390/appl0124197