Screen-Printing of Conductive Nanomaterial Inks for Stretchable Electronics

Abstract

Screen-printing process has been known for decades as an integral part of thick-film technology. Lately, it has been recognized as a possible means of pattern formation for stretchable electronic devices commonly used in fitness monitoring, epidermal and wearable healthcare. These devices are formed on thin stretchable substrates in combination with nanocomposites based on polymeric binders and conductive fillers. The objective of this paper is to present challenges that screen-printing process for stretchable electronics is facing such as key process requirements and parameters, selection of stretchable substrates, properties of conductive nanomaterial inks and strain management near rigid areas.