Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming an aluminum nitride article. The method includes the steps of adding platinum to a composition including a binder, aluminum nitride particles and a sintering aid; forming the composition into an article; placing the article in a substantially non-carbonaceous container; and sintering the article in a reducing atmosphere to cause removal of the binder and densification of the aluminum nitride article, wherein the platinum catalyzes the removal of the binder.

Abstract: An aluminum nitride ceramic having enhanced properties suitable for electronic packaging applications can be prepared from a synergistic aluminum nitride powder/sintering aid mixture, in which the sintering aid is formulated to provide a resultant desirable second phase within the sintered body. The aluminum nitride powder/sintering aid mixture can be formed into green sheet-metal laminates and sintered at low temperature to yield high density, high electrical resistivity, and high thermal conductivity metal ceramic sintered bodies with low camber.