Production of Miniaturized Sensor Structures on Polymer Substrates Using Inkjet Printing

Abstract

Strain sensors based on the resistive principle have been developed and produced by inkjet printing. Depending on the surface conditions of the substrates and the properties of the silver inks, with adequate densification of the printed nanoparticle containing structures, gauge factors of around 2.6, dimensions of 6.7 mm × 6.4 mm and grid line widths of around 90 μm, have been achieved with silver inks. Performance tests including up to 120 mechanical deformation cycles have been successfully carried out.