Date of Award
12-2005
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Chemical and Paper Engineering
Department
Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Imaging
First Advisor
Dr. Paul D. Fleming III
Second Advisor
Dr. Margaret Joyce
Third Advisor
Dr. Thomas Joyce
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Printed Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) labels utilize conductive inks to provide the means for wireless flow of electronic signals. An RFID label is an identification label with an integrated circuit and antenna that transmits data via radio waves to a reader, which sends the data to a computer for processing. RFID labels allow manufacturers and retailers to accurately track their inventory more efficiently than previously possible with bar codes. However, etched metal RFID labels are too expensive for widespread implementation. The key to reducing the cost of RFID technology is replacing etched metal tags with tags printed with conducting ink.
The present work explores the effects of paper properties on conventional silver-based conducting inks. The effects of smoothness, relative humidity, temperature, porosity, permeability and wetability on electrical properties of silver inks on different paper substrates were studied. It was determined that many of these characteristics do influence the conductivity of a printed sheet. However, the conductivity changes resulting from relative humidity and temperature differences may be attributed to the silver-flake ink, rather than the paper substrate. Further exploration will be required on this topic to achieve the goal of an ideal paper substrate for electronic printing applications.
Recommended Citation
Wood, Laura K., "Paper Substrates for Electronic Printing" (2005). Masters Theses. 4988.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4988