The influence of carbon morphologies and concentrations on the rheology and electrical performance of screen-printed carbon pastes

Abstract Screen-printing inks containing various morphologies of carbon are used in the production a variety printed electronics applications. Particle morphology influences rheology ink which will affect deposition and therefore electrical performance component. To assess effect both concentration on print topography conductivity, screen printable with differing loading concentrations graphite, black graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) were formulated, characterised, rheological novel visualisation techniques to elucidate mechanisms responsible. Carbon had significant effects packing particles. The smaller particles more interparticle interactions leading better conductivities, but also higher viscosities elasticities than other morphologies. Increases led increases film thickness roughness for all However, beyond critical point further agglomerations particles, mesh marking surface roughness, preventing improvements conductivity. optimal identifiable using custom-made screen-printing apparatus high speed imaging Notable filamentation during separation found occur optimum. As this could not be identified shear alone, method combined optimise inks, use excess material has no benefit quality