Silver Fine Particles with Organic Acid Coating for Low-Temperature Conductive Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing silver fine particles for flexible touch panels require higher temperatures to maintain electrical conductivity, which is a limitation for flexible substrate applications.
Innovation Solution
A gas-phase process using thermal plasma or flame processes to produce silver fine particles, where an organic acid is supplied to the particles, specifically using acids like citric acid or malic acid, resulting in particles with a surface coating containing carboxyl groups, allowing for lower temperature formation of conductive wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional silver fine particles are used for conductive wiring in flexible touch panels, then electrical conductivity is maintained, but high processing temperature is required which is incompatible with flexible substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the silver fine particles by incorporating specific organic acids (carboxylic acids with 1-10 carbon atoms such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, and their mixtures) into the particle structure. This parameter change allows the particles to form conductive networks at lower temperatures while maintaining electrical conductivity, resolving the contradiction between processing temperature and electrical conductivity requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite silver fine particles that combine metallic silver with organic acid components. The composite structure includes silver cores with organic acid coatings or interfacial compounds, forming a hybrid material that exhibits both the electrical conductivity of metal and the low-temperature processing characteristics of organic materials. This composite approach enables wiring formation at temperatures suitable for flexible substrates while preserving electrical performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is used for transparent conductive film in touch panels, then transparency and conductivity are achieved, but the material is vulnerable to bending and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the brittle, rigid ITO material with flexible silver fine particles that can withstand repeated bending cycles. The organic acid-modified silver particles maintain their structural integrity and conductive properties even after extensive flexing, providing a durable flexible conductor suitable for bendable touch panels and wearable devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention fundamentally changes the material parameter from rigid ceramic (ITO) to flexible metal-organic composite (silver fine particles with organic acid). This parameter change transforms the mechanical properties from brittle and bending-sensitive to flexible and bending-resistant, while maintaining electrical conductivity through the metallic silver core structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If general-purpose resin substrates (PET or PE) are used for flexible touch panels, then flexibility is improved, but heat resistance decreases requiring lower electrode formation temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the processing temperature parameter to match the heat resistance limits of flexible resin substrates. By incorporating organic acids into the silver fine particles, the electrode formation temperature is reduced to below 200°C, enabling compatibility with PET and PE substrates while maintaining both flexibility and electrical conductivity in the final touch panel
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
Enables the formation of conductive wiring at lower temperatures while maintaining electrical conductivity, improving flexibility and reducing the need for high-temperature processing.
Implementation Method 1
a step of supplying an organic acid to the silver fine particles in a state where the organic acid is thermally decomposed
Implementation Method 2
the gas-phase process is a thermal plasma process or a flame process
Implementation Method 3
the gas-phase process is a thermal plasma process or a flame process
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are: a production method for silver fine particles that retain capabilities such as conductivity and make it possible to form wiring at even lower temperatures; and silver fine particles. A silver fine particle production method in which silver powder is used to produce silver fine particles by means of a gas phase method. The silver fine particle production method has a step for supplying an organic acid to the silver fine particles. The gas phase method is, for example, a plasma method or a flame method. The silver fine particles have a surface coating that includes at least a carboxyl group.