Polymer Conductive Paste Formulation by Modified Ag₂O Particles

This paper addresses the polymer conductive paste formulation based on modified silver oxide (Ag₂O) particles. This paste is distinguished by the self-reduction of Ag₂O particles to conductive Ag through a thermal process. It is suitable for the fabrication of conductive flexible structures. In addition to detailing the paste’s recipe, the paper provides a comparison and assesses the effect of modifying Ag₂O particles through 5 hours of milling, comparing them with large-grain particles in their original state, focusing on screen printing technology. The investigation delves into the impact of milling on particle size and distribution using as well as to verify the purity of the homogeneously created powder. Samples are manufactured using an Ag₂O -based paste, screen-printed on a flexible PET Mylar® A substrate, 50 µm thick. The printed patterns are cured at 120°C to 160°C for 10 minutes while monitoring the effect of vacuum and number of printed layers on sheet resistance. Sheet resistance measurements are conducted using a 4-point probe test method. The results suggest that wet planetary ball milling is a suitable technique for modifying Ag₂O particles, rendering them suitable to produce polymer conductive paste. In addition, milling produces only silver oxide fine powder particles, according to XRD patterns.