Plasma display panel including a component provided between front and back plates thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of disassembling a plasma display panel (“PDP”) for reutilization. A first method uses a component, which is thermally not contractible at a softening temperature of bonding material used for hermetically bonding a front and back plates, and positioned between the plates. The above component maintains or widens a space provided between the two plates when the PDP is heated, thereby facilitating disassembly of the PDP. The invention also provides a groove on a surface of either or both plates for communicating the bonding material to an exterior of the PDP. Softened bonding material can be drawn out or absorbed through the groove. Heating and cooling of the PDP may be made through a laminated graphite sheet placed on a surface of the PDP for uniformalizing thermal distribution. A second method separates a PDP into two plates by immersing the PDP in etching solution capable of selectively dissolving only lead glass, and melting the bonding material. A groove is provided between the perimeter of an image display screen and a bonded portion in order to prevent etching solution from permeating into the screen area. The groove is formed on the substrates in parallel with a longitudinal direction of electrodes. The separated plates are refurbished by restoring a deteriorated or defective portion into the original condition for use in manufacturing a new PDP.