Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Inkjet-printed Polyvinyl Alcohol Multilayers
Published on: May 11, 2017
Timo Reinheimer1, Raheleh Azmi1, Joachim R Binder1
1Institute for Applied Materials , Karlsruhe Institute of Technology , Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 , 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen , Germany.
You might also read
Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.
This study introduces a new ceramic ink system for inkjet printing that avoids drying effects and eliminates the need for sintering. The system uses surface-modified BST particles, a cross-linking agent, and a thermal radical initiator. Polymerization begins when the ink contacts a heated substrate, resulting in uniform layers. Printing on flexible substrates is possible due to the organic/inorganic composite ink. XPS confirms successful surface modification, while white light interferometry and SEM images show layer uniformity and thickness. Impedance spectroscopy measures a high permittivity of 40 in printed capacitors. The system enables thin ceramic layers (<1 μm) with homogeneous topographies, suitable for flexible electronics.
Area of Science:
Background:
Current methods for inkjet-printed dielectric layers face challenges with drying effects that compromise layer uniformity. Prior research has shown that ceramic inks often require post-printing sintering, limiting compatibility with flexible substrates. This gap motivated the development of a polymerizable ceramic ink system. No prior work had resolved the issue of avoiding undesired drying effects in ceramic-based inks. Flexible electronics demand materials that maintain structural integrity and electrical performance without high-temperature processing. Surface modification of ceramic particles has been explored, but its integration into printable systems remains limited. The need for high-permittivity dielectric layers on flexible substrates has driven innovation in composite inks. This paper introduces a system that eliminates sintering and enables thin, homogeneous layers.
Purpose Of The Study:
The aim of this study is to develop a polymerizable ceramic ink system that avoids undesired drying effects during inkjet printing. The specific problem addressed is the lack of uniform topographies in printed dielectric layers due to drying. The motivation stems from the need for high-permittivity materials on flexible substrates without sintering. The study focuses on surface-modified BST particles as a key component. The goal is to confirm that the ink system can produce homogeneous layers through polymerization. The research tests whether surface modification improves printing behavior compared to nonmodified particles. The study also evaluates the electrical performance of printed capacitors. The ultimate purpose is to demonstrate a viable ink system for flexible electronics.
The system produces thin ceramic layers (<1 μm) with homogeneous topographies by avoiding undesired drying effects.
XPS confirms successful modification, which enhances compatibility with the polymerizable ink system.
The initiator triggers polymerization immediately after ink contact with the heated substrate.
It compares topographies of printed structures to assess uniformity.
Impedance spectroscopy measures capacitance, revealing a high permittivity of 40.
Main Methods:
The ink system includes surface-modified BST particles, a cross-linking agent, and a thermal radical initiator. The polymerization process begins upon contact with a heated substrate. XPS analysis confirms successful surface modification of BST particles. White light interferometry compares topographies of printed structures. Oscillatory rheometer measurements verify the polymerization process. SEM images determine layer thicknesses after printing. Impedance spectroscopy measures capacitance of printed capacitors. The study compares modified and nonmodified BST particles in the ink system.
Main Results:
The developed ink system produces thin ceramic layers (<1 μm) with homogeneous topographies. Surface modification of BST particles is confirmed via XPS analysis. White light interferometry shows improved uniformity in printed structures. Oscillatory rheometer measurements confirm polymerization occurs after ink contact. SEM images reveal layer thicknesses below 1 μm. Impedance spectroscopy measures a high permittivity of 40 in printed capacitors. The ink system eliminates the need for sintering after printing. The results demonstrate compatibility with flexible substrates.
Conclusions:
The authors conclude that the developed ink system avoids undesired drying effects through polymerization. The system enables production of thin ceramic layers with homogeneous topographies. Surface modification of BST particles improves printing behavior compared to nonmodified particles. The ink system eliminates the need for sintering, allowing printing on flexible substrates. The high permittivity of 40 in printed capacitors confirms the system's electrical performance. The study demonstrates compatibility with flexible substrates without high-temperature processing. The results suggest the ink system is suitable for printed electronics applications. The authors propose that the system provides a viable alternative to traditional sintering methods.
The system allows printing on flexible substrates without high-temperature processing.