The Path to Breakthrough: Resonance Between Technological Iteration and Market Demand
Technological Breakthroughs: Localization and Process Optimization
Powder Preparation: Localized Breakthrough via Carbothermal Reduction
The mainstream methods for producing aluminum nitride (AlN) powder (e.g., direct nitridation) depend on high-purity aluminum and extreme conditions, while Japanese firms like Tokuyama dominate the high thermal conductivity AlN substrates market. Chinese researchers have innovated the AlN carbothermal reduction process, using alumina and carbon black to achieve simultaneous reduction and nitridation at 1,600°C. This slashes AlN powder production costs by 60%, lowering prices from 200–300/kg to under 200–300/kg to under 80/kg. By tuning reaction parameters, submicron AlN powder (0.5–1.5 μm) can be made, meeting strict demands for AlN ceramic applications in 5G and power electronics.
Low-Temperature Sintering: Nano-Modification Cuts Energy Use
Traditional AlN sintering temperature reduction required >1,800°C, consuming 35% of production costs. Shanghai Institute of Ceramics developed a nano-YAG coating for AlN ceramics, enabling low-temperature sintering of AlN at 1,480°C. This reduces energy use by 30% and cuts Y₂O₃ in AlN sintering from 5wt% to 2wt%, avoiding secondary phases that degrade AlN thermal conductivity (>190 W/(m·K)).
Emerging Demand: 5G and Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors Drive Growth
With SiC/GaN devices pushing junction temperatures past 200°C, AlN vs. Al₂O₃ for power electronics is tilting toward AlN. The AlN market growth in semiconductor industry is robust, with substrates for automotive radar and data centers fueling a projected $1.2B market by 2023 (15% CAGR).
Policy Support: China’s Push for AlN Self-Sufficiency
China’s 14th Five-Year Plan prioritizes AlN powder supply chain localization, with subsidies to boost AlN self-sufficiency in China 2025 to >50%.
Conclusion: AlN’s Industrial Tipping Point
While direct nitridation vs. carbothermal AlN debates persist, cost of AlN powder per kg and process maturity remain hurdles. Yet with AlN in high-power LED packaging and 5G expanding, the material is transitioning from lab to fab. For investors and engineers, tracking how to reduce AlN manufacturing cost and AlN substrates for SiC/GaN devices will be key to capitalizing on this shift.
About Xiamen Juci Technology Co., Ltd.
Xiamen Juci Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, production, and sales of high-performance ceramic materials. The company is committed to providing high-quality aluminum nitride series products and solutions for industries such as electronics, semiconductors, and aerospace, earning widespread trust from customers with its exceptional quality and service.
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