Transparent conductive coatings of hot-pressed ITO nanoparticles on a plastic substrate

• Transparent conductive coatings were prepared via a hot-press method.
• ITO nanoparticle solution was used for coating.
• Optimal conditions were 1000 kg/cm2 and 120 °C.
• Reduction of hot-pressed coating improved the electrical conductivity.

Tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) nanoparticle coatings were prepared on plastic substrates via a hot-press method. The ITO coatings showed electrical conductivity after both pressure and heat were applied. Resistivity decreased as both temperature and pressure increased. However, when the temperature and pressure increases were excessive, cracks were generated in the coatings and there was an expansion of the substrate film, which diminished conductivity. Also, when the coating was hot-pressed at a temperature that was too high, transmittance was diminished. To produce transparent conductive coatings, the optimal conditions for pressure and temperature were determined to be 1000 kg/cm2 and 120 °C, respectively. Annealment in a 5% hydrogen–argon mixed gas further improved the electrical conductivity of the coatings.

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