Formation mechanism analysis and experimental investigation of single-step printing customized circuits by liquid-metal direct writing
<p>Liquid-metal direct writing is a cost-effective and green technology, which is very promising for the customized fabrication of flexible circuits and functional devices. However, owing to the high surface tension of metal ink, the printed circuits are prone to intermittent outflow, large fo...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2021-02-01
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| Series: | Mechanical Sciences |
| Online Access: | https://ms.copernicus.org/articles/12/143/2021/ms-12-143-2021.pdf |
| Summary: | <p>Liquid-metal direct writing is a cost-effective and green
technology, which is very promising for the customized fabrication of
flexible circuits and functional devices. However, owing to the high surface
tension of metal ink, the printed circuits are prone to intermittent
outflow, large forming size error, and unstable forming. The smooth flowing
and conveying of liquid-metal ink are still huge challenges that need
significant attention. Herein, the force mechanism of liquid-metal ink
transported by ball rotation and translation of the printing head was analysed,
and the wetting characteristics of liquid metal on the surface of different
substrates and its influence on forming morphology were investigated. The
stable output printing of gallium indium alloy (GaIn24.5) liquid metal was
realized. The changing characteristics of the shape and size of the liquid-metal circuits formed under different printing speeds and writing pressures were
experimentally studied. The effective process window for obtaining the best
circuit quality was established. Based on this, a flexible printed circuit
board and functional electronic pattern were successfully printed under the
writing pressure <span class="inline-formula"><i>W</i>=1</span> N and printing speed <span class="inline-formula"><i>F</i></span>800 mm min<span class="inline-formula"><sup>−1</sup></span>. The printed
lines of GaIn24.5 exhibited a smooth surface, uniform width, small size error,
and ability to connect electronic components and conduct electricity. This
research proposes a new technical approach for customized printing of
personalized electronic circuits and has important application prospects in
the future.</p> |
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| ISSN: | 2191-9151 2191-916X |