Copper particles electrify paper

The polymer chemistry research group at the University of Helsinki revealed that polymer protected metal particles can also be used in a variety of electronics applications and various kinds of intelligent patterns can be printed on paper that, in the future, may replace components such as electronics boards. The purpose of the research was to test the ability of polymeric and small molecule compounds that contain amine groups to protect copper nanoparticles during their manufacturing stage. The particles were manufactured with two separate protecting compounds. Slightly oxidised at their surface, the particles were sintered to a paper surface and the electrical conductivity of the formed layer was measured. Some of the particles released the protective agent during heat treatment at relatively low temperatures and the size of the particles increased rapidly. The researchers concluded that the electrical conductivity of the heated particles made them promising materials for use in electronics printed on paper. Heikki Tenhu, leader of the research team, said: "Paper requires an alternative which is more inexpensive than precious metals. It seems that no one else has earlier come up with the idea of combining copper with this particular polymer."