Breakthrough in low cost printed electronics

Until now, low cost electronics has been hindered by the logistics and costs associated with silicon chip manufacturing, but according to Xerox, its low temperature silver ink overcomes these hurdles, printing reliably on surfaces such as plastic of fabric. As a result of this, the company is seeking interested manufacturers and developers by providing sample materials for test and evaluation in different applications. By creating a silver ink to print the conductor, Xerox says it can effectively develop a semiconductor, a conductor and a dielectric element – all the materials necessary for printing plastic circuits. Using Xerox' new technology, circuits can be printed as a continuous feed document without the extensive clean room facilities required in traditional chip manufacturing. Scientists say they have also improved their previously developed semiconductor ink, so that the molecules precisely align themselves in the best configuration to conduct electricity. Paul Smith, laboratory manager, Xerox Research Centre of Canada, said: "For years, there's been a global race to find a low cost way to manufacture plastic circuits. We've found the silver bullet that could make things like electronic clothing and inexpensive games a reality today. This breakthrough means the industry now has the capability to print electronics on a wider range of materials and at a lower cost." Hadi Mahabadi, vice president and centre manager of Xerox Research Centre Canada, added: "We will be able to print circuits in almost any size from smaller custom sized circuits to larger formats such as wider rolls of plastic sheets -unheard of in today's silicon-wafer industry. We are taking this technology to product developers to enable them to design tomorrow's uses for printable electronics." Printable circuits could be used in a range of products such as low cost radio frequency identification tags, light and flexible e-readers and signage, sensors, solar cells and wearable electronics.