Inkjet ink formulations

Inkjet printing is a nonimpact, dot-matrix technology. The main advantages of inkjet printing, compared to other deposition methods such as pad printing, screen printing, spraying, and photolithographic printing, are one-step processing, low-cost and compact equipment, and applicability to various substrates. In addition to conventional graphic applications, inkjet printing has been adapted for nongraphic applications, such as microfabrication of various devices, for example, transistors, integrated circuits, conducting polymer devices, structural polymers, and ceramic parts. Inkjet ink is composed of a functional material and a liquid vehicle, which is a carrier of this functional material. While formulating the ink for inkjet printing, one should take into consideration the compatibility of each ink component with all the printer materials it meets. Although inkjet printing is simple in concept, it is very difficult to satisfy all requirements for perfect performance.