• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Top Companies
    • Printing Inks
    • Raw Materials
    • Equipment
    • Directories
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Top Companies
  • Printing Inks
  • Raw Materials
  • Equipment
  • Directories
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eBook
    Top Features
    The 2022 Packaging Ink Report

    The UV Ink Market Continues to Thrive

    The Conductive Ink Market is Showing Growth

    The 2022 Resin Report

    EU Chemicals Sector Embarks on Transition Pathway
    Breaking News
    Distributor News
    Financial News
    Industry News
    Ink Manufacturers News
    Market Research
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    New Products
    Personnel
    Price Increases
    Printers News
    Suppliers News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Nazdar Ink Technologies to Showcase Latest Ink Innovations at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022

    Epson Introduces First Direct-to-Fabric Printer for North America

    ProAmpac Facilities Secure Safety Awards 2022

    Ball Corporation Enters Agreement for New Wind Energy

    Essentra Packaging Invests in Landa S10 Nanographic Press
    Top North American Companies
    Top International Companies
    Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics
    Graphic Arts Coatings
    Inkjet Inks and Toners
    Marking and Pad Printing Inks
    News Inks
    Packaging Flexo Inks
    Packaging Gravure Inks
    Publication Gravure Inks
    Publication Offset Inks
    Screen Inks
    Sheetfed Inks
    Specialty Inks
    UV and EB Inks

    Nazdar Ink Technologies to Showcase Latest Ink Innovations at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022

    Epson Introduces First Direct-to-Fabric Printer for North America

    Ball Corporation Enters Agreement for New Wind Energy

    Essentra Packaging Invests in Landa S10 Nanographic Press

    Nazdar Ink Technologies to Manufacture VFP Ink Technologies Electronic Inks for US
    Additives
    Energy-Curable Materials
    Flushed Colors and Pigments
    Metallics and Special Effects Pigments
    Resins
    Vehicles and Varnishes
    Waxes

    PETRONAS Chemicals Group to Acquire Perstorp Group

    Ingevity Announces Price Increase for Pine Chemical-Based Products

    Carbon Black Producer Birla Carbon to Increase North American Prices

    RadTech 2022 Highlights UV/EB Opportunities in Electronics

    Next Generation Evonik: Next Phase of Its Strategic Transformation
    Energy-Curing Equipment
    Mills and Mixers
    Testing, Color and QC

    RadTech 2022 Highlights UV/EB Opportunities in Electronics

    ROSS Mixers Restored to Like-New Condition

    UV Curing System Market Worth $8.6 Billion by 2026: MarketsandMarkets

    byko-visc Offers New RT Rotational Viscometer

    Vuletech Becomes Sole Agent for IM GROUP in Vietnam
    Buyers Guide
    Distributor Guide
    European Ink Directory
    U.S. Ink Directory
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Custom Milling and Consulting

    ALVAR Inc. /ALVAR Resins, Inc

    Shin Etsu Silicones of America

    Pan Technology, Inc.

    Keim-Additec Surface USA, LLC
    Industry Events
    Live from Show Event
    Webinars
    Top Events
    Middle East Coatings Show 2022

    Labelexpo Americas 2022
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Departments
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Directory
      • Buyers Guide
      • Distributor Guide
      • European Ink Directory
      • U.S. Ink Directory
      • Trade Associations
    • Printing Inks
      • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics
      • Graphic Arts Coatings
      • Inkjet Inks and Toners
      • Marking and Pad Printing Inks
      • News Inks
      • Packaging Flexo Inks
      • Packaging Gravure Inks
      • Publication Gravure Inks
      • Publication Offset Inks
      • Screen Inks
      • Sheetfed Inks
      • Specialty Inks
      • UV and EB Inks
    • Raw Materials
      • Additives
      • Energy-Curable Materials
      • Flushed Colors and Pigments
      • Metallics and Special Effects Pigments
      • Resins
      • Vehicles and Varnishes
      • Waxes
    • Equipment
      • Energy-Curing Equipment
      • Mills and Mixers
      • Testing, Color and QC
    • Top Companies
      • Top North American Companies
      • Top International Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Expert's Opinion
    • Videos
    • eBook
    • Podcasts
    • Blog
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Jobs
    • Supplier Microsites
      • Companies
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Whitepapers
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Videos
      • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Expert's Opinion

    Particle-Free Conductive Inks as Advantageous Alternative: IDTechEx

    A transparent metal salt solution is transformed into metal by a chemical reaction, enabling smooth and thin metal layers to be printed.

    Particle-Free Conductive Inks as Advantageous Alternative: IDTechEx
    Related CONTENT
    • Techblick Articles Discuss Innovation Trends in Printed, Hybrid, In-Mold, 3D Electronics
    • Amcor Expands Global Network of Innovation Centers
    • Direct-to-Object Printing is Overcoming Challenges
    • United Mineral & Chemical Corp.
    • Q-Lab Corporation
    03.12.21

    Conductive inks are a long-established technology, with silver flake-based inks used extensively in multiple industries, including solar panels and glucose test strips. However, technology rarely stands still, and there is extensive innovation within the conductive ink space. Particle-free inks are an especially promising example with multiple advantages and applications. 

     

    In a particle-free ink, a solvated metal salt is reduced in-situ to produce metal. In complete contrast to more conventional conductive inks, this means that the uncured particle-free ink is often transparent. The chemical reaction is induced by heat, light or plasma, and produces a smooth conductive metal layer.

     

    Conductivity close to bulk metals

    High conductivity is a key advantage of particle-free inks. Because the metal is formed in-situ, and the proportion of binder materials can be very low, conductivity can be as high as 80% of the bulk metal. This, of course, means that less ink can be used, with the additional benefit of there being less solvent to evaporate away during curing.

     

    Permeability for e-textiles

    Combining electronic functionality with textiles promises to sense biometric parameters in a comfortable, conformal manner. While there are many different strategies to make fabrics conductive, such as applying inks printed onto a stretchable substrate, particle-free inks are well suited to direct printing on textiles. Unlike flake-based stretchable inks, their low viscosity and lack of particles enable particle-free inks to permeate textile fibers. Once the ink is metalized by curing, the fibers themselves become conductive, thus retaining the breathability and stretchability of the original fabric. 

     

    Highly smooth surfaces

    A classic school chemistry experiment is using Tollens’ reagent to produce a silver mirror on the inside of a test tube using a reducing agent (see left-hand picture) – this process is similar to that employed with particle-free silver inks. The reflectiveness of the silver coating is due to its smooth surface, which is a key benefit of particle-free inks over their flake-based and even nanoparticle-based alternatives. 

     

    Aside from making a reflective surface, smooth conductive traces are highly desirable for radio frequency (RF) applications. This is because as signal frequency increases, surface roughness rather than bulk conductivity increasingly dominates impedance. Furthermore, particle-free conductive inks can be deposited in very thin layers due to their low viscosity. This is advantageous since, at higher frequencies, conduction only occurs close to the surface within the 'skin depth’ of the material, so thinner layers reduce costs as less silver (or other metal) is needed.

     

    Low viscosity enables emerging printing methods

    Viscosity, and indeed rheology in general, are crucial in determining the compatibility of conductive inks with each printing method. Since particle-free inks can have very low viscosities and pose no risk of clogging nozzles, they are ideally suited to aerosol and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing. Both these techniques have nozzles with very small apertures and are capable of printing at lines as thin as 10 and 1 um, respectively. Depositing lines this narrow enables printed electronics to compete with subtractive methods such as photolithography and thus be used for semiconductor packaging. 

     

    Application opportunities

     Given the outlined attributes, we suggest that the following applications are especially well suited to particle-free conductive inks:

    •   Electromagnetic interference shielding;
    •   High-resolution printing for advanced semiconductor packaging;
    •   Printing directly onto fabrics. 

     

    Furthermore, particle-free inks can also be used for applications currently dominated by flake or nanoparticle-based conductive inks.

    Related Searches
    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics
    Suggested For You
    Techblick Articles Discuss Innovation Trends in Printed, Hybrid, In-Mold, 3D Electronics Techblick Articles Discuss Innovation Trends in Printed, Hybrid, In-Mold, 3D Electronics
    Amcor Expands Global Network of Innovation Centers Amcor Expands Global Network of Innovation Centers
    Direct-to-Object Printing is Overcoming Challenges Direct-to-Object Printing is Overcoming Challenges
    United Mineral & Chemical Corp. United Mineral & Chemical Corp.
    Q-Lab Corporation Q-Lab Corporation
    Koenig & Bauer Joins HolyGrail 2.0 Initiative Koenig & Bauer Joins HolyGrail 2.0 Initiative
    ACTEGA, Koenig & Bauer Partner for Continuous Product Development ACTEGA, Koenig & Bauer Partner for Continuous Product Development
    NAPIM Conference Highlights Digital, Emerging Technologies NAPIM Conference Highlights Digital, Emerging Technologies
    Siegwerk Joins Two Initiatives to Promote Circularity in Packaging Siegwerk Joins Two Initiatives to Promote Circularity in Packaging
    NAPIM to Examine Digital, Emerging Technologies NAPIM to Examine Digital, Emerging Technologies
    Conductive Inks Market Worth $3.7 Billion by 2025: MarketsandMarkets Conductive Inks Market Worth $3.7 Billion by 2025: MarketsandMarkets
    ASOS, Fashion-Enter Ltd. Implement Kornit Presto ASOS, Fashion-Enter Ltd. Implement Kornit Presto
    RRD Providing Support for COVID-19 Testing for Safe Reopening of Organizations of All Sizes RRD Providing Support for COVID-19 Testing for Safe Reopening of Organizations of All Sizes
    SICPA, ELCA Develop COVID-19 Secure Certificates for Vaccines, Tests SICPA, ELCA Develop COVID-19 Secure Certificates for Vaccines, Tests
    BYK: New Dimension in High Throughput Screening BYK: New Dimension in High Throughput Screening

    Related Expert's Opinion

    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics
      3D Nano-inks Push Industry Boundaries

      3D Nano-inks Push Industry Boundaries

      A new, 3D-printable polymer nanocomposite ink has incredible properties — and many applications in aerospace, medicine and electronics.
      Kelley Christensen, Science Writer and Project Strategist, University Marketing and Communications, MTU 09.24.21

    • Breaking News | Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Inkjet Inks and Toners | Printers News
      Smart Label Application Focus: Pressure Sensitive RFID Labels

      Smart Label Application Focus: Pressure Sensitive RFID Labels

      Most commonly, RFID is used in the retail industry providing security and theft prevention solutions for end-users.
      Lena Chmielewska, Marketing Manager, Mark Andy Europe 06.01.20

    • Breaking News | Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Ink Manufacturers News | Inkjet Inks and Toners | Printers News
      Six Pharmaceutical Packaging Trends to Look for in 2018

      Six Pharmaceutical Packaging Trends to Look for in 2018

      Here is a comprehensive look at what to know in 2018.
      Marsha Frydrychowski 01.25.18


    • Breaking News | Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Ink Manufacturers News | Inkjet Inks and Toners | Printers News
      IHS Markit Identifies the Top Eight Technology Trends for 2018

      IHS Markit Identifies the Top Eight Technology Trends for 2018

      Artificial intelligence, IoT, cloud are three key trends to watch.
      IHS Markit 01.05.18

    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Ink Manufacturers News | Inkjet Inks and Toners | Market Research | Printers News
      Functional and Industrial Printing Market to Grow to $114.8 Billion by 2022

      Functional and Industrial Printing Market to Grow to $114.8 Billion by 2022

      Sectors such as inkjet textile printing, 3D printing and electronics are among those showing strong growth.
      Daniel Rogers , Head of Publishing, Smithers Pira 08.17.17

    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Market Research

      The Conductive Inks and Paste Business: Everything is Changing

      Silver flake, silver nanoparticles, copper inks and pastes, graphene and beyond.
      Dr. Khasha Ghaffarzadeh, Yasuo Yamamoto and Dr. Harry Zervos, IDTechEx 02.07.17


    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Ink Manufacturers News | Market Research

      Latest Trends in the Conductive Inks Business

      Suppliers are now focusing on many emerging and nascent applications, includng 3D and in-mold printing.
      Dr. Khasha Ghaffarzadeh , IDTechEx Research Director 10.19.16

    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Ink Manufacturers News | Inkjet Inks and Toners | Market Research | News Inks | Printers News | Publication Gravure Inks | Publication Offset Inks | Sheetfed Inks | Specialty Inks | UV and EB Inks

      Drupa Shows Digital, Packaging Offer Routes to Rejuvenating World Print Markets

      Trends include more high quality industrial inkjet printers, more print embellishing products, 3D and printed electronics.
      John Nelson, Smithers Pira Editor 10.07.16

    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Market Research
      Are e-textiles on the Cusp of Rapid Growth?

      Are e-textiles on the Cusp of Rapid Growth?

      IDTechEx found the market for pure e-textiles to be worth $100 million in 2015, growing to $3 billion by 2026.
      James Hayward, IDTechEx Technology Analyst 01.22.16


    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Market Research

      Conductive Ink Market to Reach $2.8 Billion in 2020

      Core applications of PV and touch panels are growing, but wearables, circuit boards and structural electronics are emerging.
      Dr. Khasha Ghaffarzadeh, Head of Consulting, IDTechEx 10.06.15

    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Graphic Arts Coatings | Inkjet Inks and Toners | Marking and Pad Printing Inks | Screen Inks | Sheetfed Inks | Specialty Inks | UV and EB Inks

      Brand New Perspectives in Packaging Print

      Looks count and first impressions matter.
      Des King 07.16.15

    • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics | Industry News | Ink Manufacturers News | Inkjet Inks and Toners | News Inks | Printers News | Publication Gravure Inks | Publication Offset Inks | Sheetfed Inks | Specialty Inks | UV and EB Inks

      Keeping Up with Customers is Key to Future of Print

      3D printing, printed electronics, RFID, coding and mobile applications is taking concept of communication into a new space.
      Gareth Ward 06.18.15


    Breaking News
    • Nazdar Ink Technologies to Showcase Latest Ink Innovations at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022
    • Epson Introduces First Direct-to-Fabric Printer for North America
    • Ball Corporation Enters Agreement for New Wind Energy
    • ProAmpac Facilities Secure Safety Awards 2022
    • Essentra Packaging Invests in Landa S10 Nanographic Press
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    April 2022

    • The 2022 Packaging Ink Report
    • The UV Ink Market Continues to Thrive
    • The Conductive Ink Market is Showing Growth
    • The 2022 Resin Report
    • EU Chemicals Sector Embarks on Transition Pathway
    • Overview of Ink Demand in Asian Ceramic Industry
    • Industry Gears Up for the 2022 American Coatings Show and Conference
    • Defining - Evaluating Impurities, IAS, NIAS, and NLS (Part 2)
    • Needham Group Embraces New Technologies
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Bilberon Bilberry Extract Receives U.S. Patent For Eye Strain, Neck/Shoulder Pain
    Jordan Process Receives Nutrasource ICAP Certification for CBD
    FDA Warns About Steroids or Steroid-Like Substances in Bodybuilding Supplements
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    AGM Secures Exclusive Distribution Agreement with Indian Partner Imkemex
    Microban Announced as Lead Sponsor of BCF Annual Conference and Dinner 2022
    DIC’s Indian Subsidiary Begins Construction of Coating Resins Production Facility
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Robocath Presents Results from R-Evolution Clinical Study
    Medtronic's Resolute Onyx Drug-Eluting Stent Shows Success for Left Main PCI
    Medtronic Shares 3-Year Renal Denervation Blood Pressure Trial Data
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Emergent CDMO Case Studies: Project Design & Implementation of Fill/Finish Technologies
    Aptar Pharma Launches HeroTracker Sense
    MasterControl Features Quality Management and Manufacturing Execution Systems
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Mielle Organics Welcomes Steve Pamon to Advisory Board
    Makeup Revolution Expands into Walgreens
    Nu Skin Joins EcoBeautyScore Consortium
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Revolution Beauty Expands Makeup Revolution Into Walgreens
    Barentz Develops Electronic Personal Care Product Guide
    P&G Temporarily Closes Downtown Cincinnati Office Due to Potential Security Concerns
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Nazdar Ink Technologies to Showcase Latest Ink Innovations at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022
    Epson Introduces First Direct-to-Fabric Printer for North America
    ProAmpac Facilities Secure Safety Awards 2022
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    In-Mold Decorating Association announces 2022 IMDA Awards Competition
    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    'Right' Hygiene Conference to be Held in June
    Freudenberg to Present Battery Pack and Liquid Absorbers at Battery Show
    H&V Appoints Vice President and General Counsel
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Envista To Acquire Osteogenics
    Exactech Earns Breakthrough Status for JointMedica's Polymotion Hip Resurfacing
    Orthotic Brace Suppliers Convicted in $6.5M Fraud Scheme
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Emerson Earns Third Consecutive 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award
    First Solar to Sell Japan Project Development, O&M Platforms to PAG Real Assets
    Jabil Strengthens Additive Manufacturing Offerings

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login