Abstract:
In this paper, the formulation of a high Ag loading (45 wt %) aqueous ink and
its subsequent printing on three different ceramic substrates were reported.
Monodispersed Ag nanoparticles with a size down to 10 nm were successfully
synthesized in aqueous medium. These nanoparticles were then successfully
dispersed up to 45 wt% in aqueous medium with the aid of a co-polymer, Pluronic
F127. The printed tracks show the electrical conductivity of 3μΩcm close to the
value of silver bulk (1.6 μΩcm). The use of high solid loading inks reduces the
number of printed layers required for thick, dense and conductive film thus
leading to the reduction of the costs, and high efficiency of the printing
process. High solid loading also results in the finer printed features. The
effect of substrates, printing temperature and dot spacing on the size and
morphology of printed silver features was investigated. Increasing the dot
spacing together with the substrates temperature resulted in the limited ink
spreading, hence narrow printed line and improved geometry of printed patte
