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Mapping the Volume Transfer of Graphene-Based Inks with the Gravure Printing Process: Influence of Rheology and
Ahmad Fakhari1,2, Célio Fernandes3, Francisco José Galindo-Rosales2,4
1Transport Phenomena Research Center (CEFT), Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 12, 2022
Summary
Researchers optimized graphene ink transfer for printed electronics by adjusting printing parameters, avoiding rheology modifiers. This method enhances electrical, optical, and mechanical properties for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Printing Technology
Background:
- Functional inks, like graphene inks, often require rheology modifiers for printability.
- Adding rheology modifiers can negatively impact essential ink properties such as electrical, optical, and mechanical performance in printed electronics.
- Optimizing ink transfer without altering ink formulation is crucial for high-performance printed electronic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate that printing parameters can control ink transfer without modifying ink rheology.
- To investigate the impact of printing parameters on the performance of graphene-based inks.
- To establish guidelines for printing functional inks for printed electronics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three different commercial graphene-based inks.
- Adjusted printing parameters, specifically gravure cell velocity and length scale.
- Analyzed ink transfer volume to a flat surface.
- Developed printing maps based on capillary and Reynolds numbers.
Main Results:
- Successfully controlled the amount of graphene ink transferred by manipulating printing parameters.
- Showed that rheological properties of the ink do not need to be modified to achieve desired transfer volumes.
- Printing maps based on capillary and Reynolds numbers effectively summarize the findings.
Conclusions:
- Printing parameter control offers a viable alternative to rheology modification for optimizing functional inks.
- This approach preserves the intrinsic electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of graphene inks.
- The developed printing maps provide a valuable tool for researchers and engineers in printed electronics.
