A study of inkjet printed line morphology using volatile ink with non-zero receding contact angle for conductive trace fabrication
Abstract
Inkjet printed lines on a homogeneous solid substrate are studied under the condition that ink evaporation is not negligible and the contact angle exhibits hysteresis with non-zero receding contact angle (NRCA). A new family of line instability is discovered, featured by formation of agglomerations within a line. The agglomeration is explained by a hydrodynamic flow that consistently drives a bead on the substrate towards fresh deposited droplets due to concentration-induced surface tension gradient. Morphologies of lines printed with multiple layers are also explored for the purpose of conductive trace fabrication. A non-uniform morphology is observed across a multi-layer line when the line is printed unidirectionally at a low jetting frequency. This non-uniformity is explained by considering the interaction between deposited droplets and bulk layer. An optimized multiple-pass printing is developed to produce a uniform line morphology while offering excellent printing efficiency and electrical conductivity.
Degree
M.S.M.E.
Advisors
Chiu, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Mechanical engineering
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.