Self-Reducing Conductive Inks For Printed Electronics (Printed Electronics Europe 2019)

Self-reducing metal inks contain ionic complexes of metals, which can be converted to highly conductive traces by means of thermal treatment and/or photonic curing. Substrate wetting, ink stability and curing temperature are tuned by means of ink composition. The inks can be adapted to a wide range of deposition methods including inkjet-, aerosol-, flexographic-, screen-printing, and others. The advantages and challenges of self-reducing inks will be presented along with viable deposition and curing methods. The activation of passivated metal surfaces can be achieved by using reduction assistance materials as ink components. Functional printing solutions at Joanneum Research include the stages of ink development, substrate choice and pre-treatment as well as optimization of the printing and curing procedures.

For the economy and industry, JOANNEUM RESEARCH develops solutions and technologies in a broad range of fields and conducts cutting-edge research at international levels. Focussing on applied research and technology development, it assumes a key role in technology and knowledge transfer in its role as an INNOVATION COMPANY. When it comes to the effectiveness of its locations, the following main tasks have to be mastered: innovation, networking, and knowledge transfer