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For integrating temperature sensors on surfaces and into composites, printing allows a high flexibility in view of design and manufacturing. In addition to noble metals, in special, Cu-CuNi- (type T) as well as Ni-NiCr- (type K) couples are standard materials for thermocouples and are therefore interesting materials also for printing purposes.

Due to the high oxidation tendency of Cu-based materials and the high sintering behaviour of Ni / NiCr, composites of metallic alloys in a polymer matrix can be an interesting approach to print temperature sensors on temperature sensitive surfaces. In this paper we report on screen-printing and sintering behaviour of CuNi- and NiCr alloys as well as CuNi- and NiCr-polymer composites for temperature sensor applications. Screen printing has been used to print temperature sensors on different substrates, including glass, ceramics, polymer films and metals. Resulting sensor structures show good adhesion on different surfaces after sintering of metals or curing of polymer composites, respectively. Sintering of alloy structures above 750°C as well as curing of alloy composites below 400°C result in thermocouples. Results will be discussed in view of printing processes, post-treatment as well as reliability and reproducibility of temperature sensors, respectively.

Dipl.-Ing. Mario Kohl received a degree in Production Engineering with a main focus on material sciences from the University of Bremen in 2008. After that he started working as a project manager in the department "Functional Printing" at the Fraunhofer IFAM in Bremen. Main research interests are thick-film technology with focus on sensor application and surface modification.

Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM carries out applied research and development along the entire value chain.

 

The department of Functional Printing has gained extensive experience in this domain, focusing on printed electronics and sensors. Our interdisciplinary team works in cooperation with our customers to develop the concepts for functional integration, combining the materials and manufacturing processes. To implement the integration of functions in manufacturing, various technologies, such as 3D printing, ink-jet printing, aerosol printing, screen printing, as well as sputtering processes are available.