Inkjet printing of Al2O3 dots, lines, and films: From uniform dots to uniform films

We have investigated the inkjet-printing of Al2O3 ink on the solid surface. The deposit patterns of nanoparticles from ink droplets were controlled by adding a drying agent to the main ink solvent. This co-solvent ink system creates a circulating flow in the ink droplet during its drying process, resulting in a uniform deposit of nanoparticles from the ink droplet. The study on the spreading of Al2O3 ink droplets on the solid surface was implemented to identify an optimum condition for the inkjet printing of straight lines. With the inkjet-printed straight lines, uniform Al2O3 films were printed by adjusting the line-to-line pitches and investigated by SEM and a surface profiler.

► Uniform dot formation by creating Manrangoni flow in the ink droplet. ► Theoretical prediction of uniform line formation by inkjet printing. ► Uniform film formation by adjusting line-to-line pitch.