Liquid X Printed Metals® Introduces Particle-free Products
Formulated at the Atomic Level, Two Disruptive Metallic Ink Products are Thin, Robust, Adaptable and Cost-effective
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Liquid X Printed Metals ®, Inc., (Liquid X®), an advanced material manufacturer of functional metallic inks, today introduced two particle-free inks. The inks will enable manufacturers in the electronics and other industries to produce thinner, more cost-effective and adaptable electronic components that will drive innovation in consumer electronics, and advanced and medical technology among other industries.
The company's two inaugural products, Liquid X®'s Silver Inkjet Ink and Silver Flexo Ink were developed using an original and proprietary particle-free formulation that leads to more cost-effective and trouble-free processing; more durable traces that withstand bending and flexing; adherence to the full range of substrates; good conductivity; excellent printability; and enhanced sustainability due to its water-based composition.
"Liquid X® is introducing particle-free inks that eliminate problems associated with other metallic inks that are made with less stable nanoparticles or metal flakes, which are thicker and can cause clogging, slowness and other problems in printing," said Greg Babe, President and CEO of Liquid X®. "Our Silver Inkjet Ink and Silver Flexo Ink leverage atomic-level technology, which represents the kind of powerful, robust and adaptable innovation required to tap the fullest potential of printed electronics."
Liquid X(®)'s molecular inks consist of novel metal complexes that are printed as solutions that are used in the creation of films or traces that exhibit high conductivity, are thin and precise, and allow for low-temperature processing that enables adherence on a wide range of substrates. And the low viscosity of the inks allow for use in printing methods that include inkjet, aerosol jet, flexography, and gravure.
Liquid X(®)'s conductive inks are designed for applications that range from transparent conductors and touchscreens, to photovoltaic, industrial and automotive applications, and smart packaging.
Performance
Silver Inkjet Ink features viscosity at 6-9 cPs; Polar Protic Solvents; thermal, photonic and infrared curing methods; adherence to all substrates; and excellent stability when refrigerated. Film trace sheet resistance for one layer is 0.5 - 1 ohms per square. Thickness for one layer is 200-300 nm. Trace width is < 50 micrometers. (Adhesion, tensile - ASTM D3359, 5B rating). (Adhesion shear - scrub resistant.) [Gloss - ASTM D523 ISO 2813, At 60 degrees >70 Gloss Units (high gloss)]
Silver Flexo Ink features Flexo-Gravure deposition; viscosity at 110-140 cPs (1-50 RPM); 80-110 (60-100 RPM); ~25 sec #2 Zahn Cup; Polar Protic Solvents; thermal, photonic and infrared curing methods; adherence to all substrates; and excellent stability at room temperature or when refrigerated. Film trace sheet resistance for one layer is 0.5 - 1 ohms per square. Thickness is 1-3 microns. (dependent on anilox). (Adhesion, tensile - ASTM D3359, 5B rating). (Adhesion shear - scrub resistant.) [Gloss - ASTM D523 ISO 2813, At 60 degrees >70 Gloss Units (high gloss)]
In development is a product called Silver Stretchable Ink, which is designed for stretchable substrates such as fabrics or elastomers. Applications for Silver Stretchable Ink include wearables, soft robotics and other customized applications.
About Liquid X
Liquid X Printed Metals®, Inc. is a technology company headquartered Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that manufactures functional metallic inks. The company's inks are considered disruptive in that their technology is on the atomic level. This provides processing advantages and achieves better metal film properties than other metallic inks that feature nanoparticles and metal flakes which create instabilities. Visit: http://www.liquid-x.com.