Colloidal particle assembly using piezoelectric inkjet printing of polystyrene colloidal ink formulations

We report the feasibility of piezoelectric inkjet printing of colloidal dispersion inks for geometrical patterning to arrange colloids in desired locations. Polystyrene colloid (dia. = 3 μm) inks dispersed with thermally curable binder in organic solvents are explored for fundamental study on colloidal patterning. The inkjet printability of colloidal inks is systematically investigated with different ink formulations and inkjet process variables. In addition, in order to maintain the structural stability of colloidal patterns fabricated on the substrate from externally applied forces such as mechanical, chemical and thermal stimuli, thermally curable binder was formulated into the colloidal ink formulations.