LG Chem and Noritake have co-developed a nano-silver paste for automotive power semiconductors, offering superior heat resistance and room-temperature stability. Designed for SiC chip bonding, it addresses rising thermal challenges in EVs and autonomous vehicles. The innovation enhances efficiency and sets the stage for further materials development in automotive electronics.
LG Chem has announced the successful co-development of a cutting-edge silver paste in collaboration with Japan-based Noritake. This newly engineered product is specifically designed for use in automotive power semiconductors, particularly to facilitate the attachment of silicon carbide (SiC) chips to substrates. The innovation aims to address increasing performance demands driven by the rapid advancement of electric vehicle (EV) and autonomous driving technologies.
Noritake, a Japanese company with over 120 years of experience in advanced ceramic materials, has a well-established presence in the semiconductor and automotive sectors. The company supplies a wide range of products, including grinding wheels, electronic component materials, and thermal processing equipment such as kilns.
With the rising importance of power semiconductors in automotive applications, traditional soldering techniques—which rely on molten metal to join components—are becoming less viable. This is particularly true as these semiconductors are required to operate at significantly higher temperatures, pushing the limits of standard bonding materials. In response, LG Chem and Noritake have worked together to develop a high-performance silver paste capable of maintaining stability and efficiency under extreme thermal conditions.
The jointly developed silver paste incorporates nano-sized silver particles. This formulation results from the combination of LG Chem’s advanced particle engineering with Noritake’s deep knowledge in particle dispersion. The outcome is a product with exceptional thermal conductivity and high heat resistance.
One of the key differentiators of this silver paste compared to existing alternatives is its long-term storage capability at room temperature. Conventional silver pastes typically require cold storage and have a short shelf life, making inventory management a complex and costly task. The new product, however, eliminates these challenges by offering enhanced storage stability and an extended usable life during customer processing. This leads to greater efficiency in logistics and material handling, and ultimately reduces waste.
Looking ahead, LG Chem and Noritake intend to deepen their partnership to explore the development of additional next-generation materials aimed at the evolving automotive industry.
The global market for silver paste used in automotive power semiconductors is expected to see substantial growth—from KRW 300 billion in 2025 to an estimated KRW 850 billion by 2030. Commenting on the development, LG Chem CEO Shin Hak-Cheol stated, “Utilizing our technological prowess and advanced materials design, LG Chem has delivered tailored solutions across diverse industries, including automotive electronics. Our collaboration with Noritake is a step forward in reinforcing our competitive edge in the global automotive materials market.”
