Conductive Paste for Touch Panel Micro-Patterning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming micro-patterns in touch panel wiring electrodes, such as photolithography, are inefficient due to high equipment costs, complex processes, and difficulties in controlling pitch precision and electrode width, especially as substrate sizes increase, and require high solubility dispersing agents that can cause oxidation of metallic conductive powders.
Innovation Solution
A paste composition for printing using a block copolymer of PEO-PPO-PEO or PPO-PEO-PPO as a dispersing agent, which improves particle dispersibility and prevents oxidation of metallic conductive powders, comprising conductive powders, a binder, and a solvent, facilitating micro-pattern formation and reducing the need for etching solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If photolithography is used to form wiring electrodes, then pattern precision can be achieved, but process complexity and equipment cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the photolithography process entirely, replacing it with a direct printing method using paste composition. This removes the need for photoresist coating, mask alignment, exposure, and developing steps, significantly simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining pattern formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a printing template or mask that can be repeatedly used to transfer patterns onto the substrate. This copying approach allows precise pattern reproduction without the complex photochemical processes of photolithography, reducing both equipment requirements and process steps
2Manufacturing precision
If photolithography is used to form micro-patterns, then pattern formation is possible, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The paste composition is prepared in advance with pre-dispersed conductive particles, binders, and solvents in specific ratios. This preliminary preparation allows the paste to be directly printed onto the substrate without requiring subsequent photoresist application, exposure, and developing steps, significantly reducing production time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the time-consuming photolithography steps (coating, exposure, developing, stripping) and replaces them with a single printing operation. This extraction of unnecessary process steps directly improves production efficiency while maintaining micro-pattern formation capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If acryl-based dispersing agents are used in paste composition, then particle dispersion is achieved, but adhesive strength decreases due to lower solubility with ether solvent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the dispersing agent by selecting polymers with specific solubility characteristics in ether solvents. The dispersing agents used have higher solubility and compatibility with ether-based solvents, maintaining both particle dispersion stability and adhesive strength of the conductive paste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite dispersing agent systems combining multiple polymer components with complementary properties. This composite approach achieves both effective particle dispersion and maintained adhesive strength by leveraging the synergistic effects of different polymer-solvent interactions
4Productivity
If substrate size is enlarged and pattern size is reduced, then device capacity increases, but pitch precision and electrode width control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses precision printing templates or photomasks with predefined pattern geometries that can be accurately reproduced across large substrate areas. This copying method maintains consistent pitch precision and electrode width control even as substrate size increases, avoiding the scaling problems of traditional photolithography
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the large substrate into manageable printing zones or uses multiple printing passes with precise registration. This segmentation approach allows maintaining high precision pattern formation across enlarged substrates by breaking down the complex patterning task into controlled, repeatable steps
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The paste composition enhances particle dispersibility and adhesive strength, allowing for more precise and efficient micro-wiring electrode patterning, reducing environmental pollution and process steps, while preventing oxidation of metallic conductive powders.
Implementation Method 1
The dispersing agent includes a block copolymer of polyethylene oxide (PEO)-polypropylene oxide (PPO)-polyethylene oxide (PEO), or a block copolymer of polypropylene oxide (PPO)-polyethylene oxide (PEO)-polypropylene oxide (PPO)
Implementation Method 2
improves particle dispersibility
Implementation Method 3
a blanket roll and the printing roll filled with the composition are continuously pressurized with respect to each other while rotating
Implementation Method 4
the composition filled in the groove of the printing roll is transferred to a silicon-rubber surface of the blanket roll
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a paste composition for printing including conductive powders, a binder, a dispersing agent, and a solvent. The dispersing agent includes a block copolymer of polyethylene oxide (PEO)-polypropylene oxide (PPO)-polyethylene oxide (PEO), or a block copolymer of polypropylene oxide (PPO)-polyethylene oxide (PEO)-polypropylene oxide (PPO).