An Analysis of Screen-Printed Stretchable Conductive Tracks on Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Abstract

This article focuses on analysis of stretchable screen-printed conductive tracks onto a flexible substrate that can withstand high mechanical strain while maintaining good electrical conductivity. Straight track samples with measured thickness of 20 μm and various trace widths are printed using a stretchable Silver (Ag) ink. Four temperatures: 110 °C, 120 °C, 130 °C and 150 °C are chosen to cure the stretchable ink, where four curing times: 3, 10, 20 and 30 minutes, are carried out to each temperature. In total, 16 curing temperature-time combinations are used. Cyclic strain tests with 25 % and 50 % elongations are carried out to observe the variation in electrical resistance after being subjected to mechanical deformation and fatigue.