Abstract

Advancements in functional printing processes have demonstrated the viability of fabricating electronic circuits through deposition of electrically conductive materials. This has opened various novel avenues such as flexible and stretchable electronics that are currently beyond the capabilities of conventional subtractive manufacturing processes. Among the functional printing processes, piezoelectric drop-on-demand inkjet printing has now become of increasing interest due to its versatility. In case of the electrically conductive materials, Metal Organic Decomposition (MOD) inks stand out due to their particle free nature, which improves the jetting behavior.

The strict demand from the electronics industry necessities uniform, smooth features of high resolution for printed electronic devices. Numerous studies have discussed the impact of print process conditions on the quality of printed features. However, the process conditions of pre-process and post-process techniques implemented in printed electronics can also have a considerable effect on the feature quality. This research is aimed at investigating the impact of not only some of the key print process parameters but also the impact of key pre-process and post-process parameters on the track width of features printed using a silver MOD ink on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate.

A statistical approach was employed for the experiments in identifying the significant control variables effecting the resolution of printed features. Using the results from the experimental study, the process parameters suitable for obtaining desired feature dimensions was derived by identifying the significant main and interaction effects. The results of this study can be used in improving the homogeneity of inkjet printed MOD features in fabricating devices such as flexible electronic displays, thin-film transistors, smart packaging labels etc.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Printed circuits--Design and construction; Printing ink--Electric properties

Publication Date

12-16-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Industrial and Systems Engineering (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Industrial and Systems Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Denis Cormier

Advisor/Committee Member

Marcos Esterman

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

ISEE-MS

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