Improvements to the electrohydrodynamic jet printing process

Mannen, Sarah

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/45375 Copy

Description

Title

Improvements to the electrohydrodynamic jet printing process

Author(s)

Mannen, Sarah

Issue Date

2013-08-22T16:38:17Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Alleyne, Andrew G.

Department of Study

Mechanical Sci & Engineering

Discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing
• Micromanufacturing
• Silver Printing
• Jet Cycle Modeling

Abstract

Significant interest has been developed in micro- and nano-scale manufacturing in recent years, and Electrohydrodynamic Jet (E-Jet) printing offers unique advantages over other technologies in this field. In this thesis, we describe two individual improvements to E-jet printing which will increase its capabilities for micro- and nano-scale manufacturing. First, an investigation into new silver nanoparticle inks for use in electronics printing yielded 4-20 µm lines with resistivities around ten times that of bulk silver. The printed performance is demonstrated to be promising for microscale additive manufacturing. Specific obstacles and solutions unique to E-jet printing of conductive inks which are presented here so as to be useful in ink selection and tuning. Secondly, we also present a gray-box switched-system model for the trajectory of a jet during the printing process which accurately captures features observed through high-speed imaging. This model is simple and flexible enough to be useful for variety of applications. The contributions presented in this thesis are intended to advance E-jet technology for both academic and commercial use.

Graduation Semester

2013-08

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/45375

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2013 Sarah Mannen

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