Direct micro metal patterning on plastic substrates by electrohydrodynamic jet printing for flexible electronic applications

Abstract

Direct printing is an attractive technology for the patterning of nanomaterials that enables low-cost fabrication of micro/nano-sized electrical devices through minimal use of materials with non-vacuum environment. Although direct printing opens new border for the patterning technology, its resolution has been highly restricted mainly due to its solution-based properties. When the solution contains much liquid, it spreads out on the substrate after printing. While less liquid solution causes clogging at the orifice. In this study, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jet printer is employed to use both low and high content of nanomaterial solutions: low viscosity nanoink and high viscosity nanopaste. Meanwhile, there are several considerable factors including ink property for operating EHD jet printer such as substrates, voltage condition and working speed. Therefore, parametric studies are conducted to gain fine patterning. As a results, EHD jet printed silver conductive line at high resolution is achieved on various plastic substrates for flexible device applications. (C) The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. All rights reserved.