Materials and materials processing issues in the fabrication of a discrete, high-power, surge-arresting device

Devices were designed and constructed that would demonstrate the ability to act as surge suppressors for electrostatic discharge. In addition, materials selection efforts combined with the selection of fabrication processes helped demonstrate that Cu and even more so, W metallization in conjunction with a glass filler phase would show measurable performance as a lightning surge suppressor. Microscopy and data support the actual device performance and indicate that for a lightning pulse, W, as opposed to Ag and Cu, is required for device metallization due to its high melting point. Glass, as opposed to an organic polymer, is needed as a filler due to its resistance to pulse-induced disintegration.