INVESTIGATION OF INKJET PRINTED DEVICES

Mst Sharmin Shila

doi:10.7273/000006969

This thesis presents a comprehensive study on optimizing inkjet printing parameters for fabricating electrically conductive and mechanically stable patterns, utilizing the capabilities of the Fujifilm Dimatix 2831 inkjet printer. Focused on the application of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) ink on Kodak 4-Star photo paper and a novel flexible ceramic substrate, this research investigates the effects of drop spacing, the number of printing layers, and sintering temperatures on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of printed patterns. Preliminary results identify sintering temperature as a crucial determinant for conductivity enhancement, with optimal printing conditions for AgNP ink on photo paper established at 20 μm drop spacing, three printing layers, and a sintering temperature of 90°C. Further mechanical assessments, including bending and adhesion tests, validate the durability and stability of the patterns, highlighting their potential in flexible electronics and IoT applications.A rigorous suite of statistical analyses—encompassing linear regression, outlier identification, hypothesis testing, and two-factor factorial design—was employed to refine printing configurations for enhanced conductivity and mechanical integrity on both substrates, with a significance level of p<0.05. The study elucidates the non-linear relationship between silver content, curing temperature, and conductivity, revealing that 40% silver content, cured at 120°C for 30 minutes, achieves optimal conductivity (1.88 × 104 S/cm) within the tested range. This configuration not only outperforms higher silver concentrations but also offers a more resource-efficient approach, balancing material costs against experimental requirements. For the ceramic substrate, the optimal parameters were identified as 20 μm drop spacing, three layers of printing, and a 300°C sintering temperature for 20 minutes, achieving an average optimum resistivity of 9.2189 μΩ-cm. Although a sintering temperature of 400°C slightly improves conductivity, the associated higher energy and time costs render the 300°C condition more economically favorable. By integrating advanced analytical tools for characterizing ink distribution, surface roughness, and morphological features, alongside a comprehensive statistical framework, this research advances the development of high-performance, inkjet-printed electronic devices. The findings not only contribute valuable insights into the optimization of inkjet printing for electronics manufacturing but also demonstrate the feasibility of producing robust, high-conductivity patterns on varied substrates, marking a significant stride in the realm of printed electronics.

INVESTIGATION OF INKJET PRINTED DEVICES

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