Temperature-sensing inks using electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing technology

Abstract

Temperature measurement is very important for thermal control, which is required for the advancement of mechanical and electronic devices. However, current temperature sensors are limited by their inability to measure curved surfaces. To overcome this problem, several methods for printing flexible substrates were proposed. Among them, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) inkjet printing technology was adopted because it has the highest resolution. Since EHD inkjet printing technology is limited by the type of ink used, an ink with temperature-sensing properties was manufactured for use in this printer. To confirm the applicability of the prepared ink, its resistance characteristics were investigated, and the arrangement and characteristics of the particles were observed. Then, the ink was printed using the EHD inkjet approach. In addition, studies of the meniscus shapes and line widths of the printed results under various conditions confirmed the applicability of the ink to the EHD inkjet printing technology and the change in its resistance with temperature.