Inkjet Printing of Functional Inks for Smart Products

Abstract

Inkjet printing is a recent promising technology for direct patterning of solution-based materials over different substrates. It is particularly interesting for applications in the flexible electronics field and smart products manufacturing, as it allows for rapid prototyping, design freedom, and is compatible with conductive, semiconductive, and dielectric inks that can be cured at low temperatures over several types of substrates. Moreover, the inkjet process allows for ink economization, since great electrical conductivity can be achieved despite the deposition of small volumes of ink. This chapter describes the overall process, the main inks and their features, the critical process variables, and its limitations. Applications related to inkjet printing of functional materials and smart products are highlighted. New technology advancements and trends are finally addressed.