Jet Dispensing Electrically Conductive Inks

A functional conductive layered composite comprising a conductive trace, the conductive trace formed by a method comprising

• A) selecting a substrate;
• B) providing a jet dispenser for use in applying a conductive ink to the substrate;
• C) selecting a conductive ink;
• D) measuring the viscosity of the conductive ink at a shear rate of 700 sec−1 and a predetermined jetting temperature;
• E) using the measured viscosity (Vm) to select one of the following criteria (i)-(iv) to apply to the jet dispenser:
• (i) when the measured viscosity (Vm) is greater than 2.0 Pa-s, either (1) add a fluid to the conductive ink in order to reduce the viscosity thereof followed by repeating steps D) and E) or (2) select another conductive ink by repeating steps C)-E);
• (ii) when the measured viscosity (Vm) is less than or equal to 2.0 Pa-s and greater than 0.35 Pa-s, use a needle that is at least 3.0 mm in diameter and an orifice or nozzle that is at least 0.15 mm in diameter (d);
• with the proviso that the ratio of nozzle length (L) to nozzle diameter (d) is ≤30;
• (iii) when the measured viscosity (Vm) is less than 0.25 Pa-s, use a needle that is at least 1.0 mm in diameter but less than 3.0 mm in diameter and an orifice or nozzle that is at least 0.15 mm in diameter (d);
• with the proviso that the ratio of nozzle length (L) to nozzle diameter (d) is ≤30;
• or
• (iv) when the measured viscosity (Vm) is between 0.25 Pa-s and 0.35 Pa-s, use the criteria set forth in either (ii) or (iii);
• F) applying the selected criteria to the jet dispenser;
• G) using the jet dispenser to apply the conductive ink on to a surface of the substrate;
• and
• H) drying or curing, and optionally annealing the conductive ink to form the conductive trace.