Electrohydrodynamic Inkjet Printing on Insulative Substrates with Discontinuous Gold Films

Abstract

This study investigates process development for AC-modulated, electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing of silver nanoparticle inks on insulative surfaces. Trends were developed using printing parameters of DC bias, AC amplitude, frequency, and speed to optimize the print conditions. Print quality improved using a novel surface treatment formed by sputter coating a discontinuous gold film on insulative surfaces. Linewidths of 4 μm and single pass conductivity were achieved using the discontinuous metalized substrates.