Research lead
The Polymer Chemistry Research group at Helsinki University has succeeded in producing nano-sized metallic copper particles, which can be made to form electricity-conducting layers and patterns on paper.
Polymer-coated particles could be used in various electronics applications, possibly replacing components such printed circuit boards.
The particles were manufactured with either poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) or tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) used as coating agents. The average size of the particles at room temperature was 8.5 nm (with PEI coating) or 19.4 nm (with TEPA coating).
The slightly oxidised particles were sintered onto a paper surface, and the electrical conductivity of the layer formed was measured. Particles manufactured using PEI released the polymer coating during sintering at relatively low temperatures of between 150–200 °C. At these temperatures, the size of the particles increased rapidly and the electrical conductivity of the sintered particles was good, making them promising materials for use in electronics.
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