We investigated the effect of ZnO filler on the microstructure of $BaO-B_2O_3-ZnO-P_2O_5$ glass system to find an etching mechanism of barrier ribs. The sintering behavior of composites heated in the temperature range $560-600^{circ}C$ was studied by volumetric shrinkage rate and microstructure. The etching test was carried out in $HNO_3$ solution at $50^{circ}C$ for 10 min. The volumetric shrinkage of sintered sample decreased with the increased firing temperature because of the formation of two crystals. Glass and ZnO filler react forming the $BaZn_2(PO_4)_2$ crystal phases during the sintering process. Etching phenomenon of sintered samples by $HNO_3$ showed that the $BaZn_2(PO_4)_2$ crystal phase was strongly leached compared to glass matrix, crystal phases and fillers. Therefore, the control of interface by condition of sintering is so important to achieve etching effect in barrier ribs.