The effect of P2O5 incorporation on the sintering, flow and crystallization characteristics of BCABS glasses of composition (mol%) 35BaO-15CaO-5Al(2)O(3)-(37-x)SiO2-8B(2)O(3)-xP(2)O(5) (0 <= x <= 5) is investigated. It is observed that addition of P2O5, removes cations (Ba2+ and Ca2+) from the silicate network, resulting in an increase in polymerization. This is reflected by a reduction in TEC and an increase in sealing temperature. In addition, the removal of cations for charge compensation causes a change in major crystalline phases formed, from BaSiO3 to Ba(Al2Si2O8). In addition, beyond 3 mol% P2O5, crystallization of phosphate phases is evident. Based upon the flow temperature, glasses with 0, 1 and 2 mol% P2O5 are selected for sealing. In these glasses, conversion of Cr to Cr2O3 is observed, yielding improved adhesion. However, the 2 mol% P2O5 glass showed an increased crystallization tendency, resulting in incomplete sintering. Therefore, mol% P2O5 seems a good compromise for sealing with improved adhesion. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.