Carbon inks
Carbon inks are one of the most versatile material in printed and plastic electronics. This is because carbon itself exists in several forms, each of which has different physical properties. The most common forms of carbon are graphite, diamond, carbon black, activated carbons, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, among others. Inks produced with different forms of carbon display distinctive and widely varied properties which are determined by the type of carbon present in the ink.
Choosing the correct carbon ink can be confusing; however, it is an extremely important step for achieving the required electrical properties of the printed carbon.
The recommendations below can be used as a general guidance.
- graphite inks maintain the properties of graphite and typically have good electrical and thermal conductivity
- carbon black inks are based on amorphous carbon which can be a good electrical conductor but with poor thermal conductivity
- activated carbons have high surface area and produce carbon inks suitable for electrodes in electrochemical cells such as batteries, supercapacitors, and electrochemical sensors
- in most cases, carbons inks have to be functionalised in order to function as gas sensors or biological sensors with good selectivity
- carbon inks based on graphene and carbon nanotubes can be extremely diverse, therefore asking the supplier for detailed technical specifications is highly recommended.
Carbon inks can produce disposable, biodegradable, and sustainable electronics, which is a particularly important and attractive property.
Standard Products
| Product | Brief description and main applications |
|---|---|
| C0410: Screen printable paste |
This aqueous paste is formulated with fine carbon particles which makes it suitable for high-resolution printing and deposition, providing smooth, high quality and uniform films. The obtained films have excellent mechanical properties, flexibility, and resistance to moisture and humidity. Ideally suited for printing on polymer films, textiles, paper, and other flexible substrates. Curing is carried out by heating at any temperature between ambient and 150°C. Stored at ambient temperature with shelf life exceeding 12 months. Recommended for producing conductive tracks, capacitive sensors, antennas, electromagnetic shielding coatings, conductive coatings in photo-voltaics, and components for wearable electronics. Sheet resistance is 100 Ohms/sq when printed on glass at thickness 25 m. Supplied in any quantity from 50 ml to multi-litre. |
| C0480: Activated carbon paste |
Aqueous paste for producing porous and flexible electrode coatings for supercapacitors, batteries, and other electro-chemical cells. The paste is cured by heating at 65 °C and can be mixed with other electro-chemically active materials. The paste is applied by rod coating, bar coating, manual and automated coaters, and film applicators. Stored at ambient temperature with shelf life 12 months. Supplied in any quantity from 50 ml to multi-litre. |
Customised Products
We are able to develop and supply a wide range of specialist carbon inks based on different types of carbon and graphite. Contact us for further information, detailed technical specifications, and confidential discussion about your specific requirements.
For graphene inks please read here.
How to order
Our carbon inks can be purchased directly from us. Please send your inquiry using the Contact us form, or by emailing info@dzptechnologies.com
Selected products can be purchased from our distributor Strem Chemicals UK Ltd.
Carbon ink C0410 produces highly flexible films and patterns when printed on polymers, textiles, and paper.