NAT-ULTCC develops ultra-low-temperature co-fired ceramics (ULTCC) for sustainable electronic applications. Significantly reduced sintering temperatures strongly decrease energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. At the same time, recycled materials are integrated and critical raw materials are substituted.
The NAT-ULTCC project addresses the urgent need for decarbonization within the energy-intensive ceramics industry. By advancing sustainable Ultra-Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (ULTCC), the project aims to fundamentally reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, supporting the climate neutrality targets of the European Green Deal.
Objectives and Approach
The project implements a digitized, multi-stage value chain designed for resource efficiency and high-performance electronic components, such as microwave filters and hermetic packages, by structuring its approach across several integrated pillars. This comprehensive strategy begins with material innovation and recycling, focusing on the development of lead-free ULTCC materials with sintering temperatures below 600 °C and the upcycling of HTCC and LTCC waste to recover glass-ceramics as high-quality secondary raw materials. Central to this process is the creation of a Process Management Data (PMD) framework, which establishes a digital thread across the entire value chain—from material synthesis and component design to fabrication and validation—to enable a “Digital Twin” for real-time optimization. Furthermore, the integration of advanced design rules for complex multilayer architectures ensures superior thermal and electrical performance while targeting a ≥ 30% reduction in energy consumption. This value chain is finalized through a rigorous fabrication, testing, and validation cycle for demonstrators that utilize 20% recycled material and substitute critical precious metals, all while undergoing continuous Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) to verify the project’s overall environmental impact and cost-efficiency.Consortium Synergy
The NAT-ULTCC consortium bridges the gap between high-level research and industrial application by uniting academic and research experts from TU Berlin and Fraunhofer IKTS with global industry leaders. This strategic partnership combines the material expertise of Schott AG, Kuraray Europe GmbH, and Kerafol Keramische Folien GmbH & Co. KG with the specialized design and fabrication capabilities of IMST GmbH as well as VIA electronic GmbH. Together with ImpulsTec GmbH recycling technology, the consortium transforms the entire ceramic value chain into a sustainable, digitized, and circular ecosystem.
