Paper-based Electronics – Materials, Fabrication and Applications
Paper is often considered for electronics as a simple, recyclable, low-cost substrate while its material characteristics and physical properties are mostly overlooked. In this seminar, it will be shown that there is more to paper than meets the eye. A systematic study of the physical properties of various paper types and of the characteristics of the fabrication methods to deposit and pattern electrical conductors on paper will be presented. These results enable the selection of optimum substrate materials and optimum fabrication methods for a given application. Examples of paper-based electronic devices including touch pads based on interdigitated electrodes and transmission lines will be presented. Water absorbed from the air has a significant effect on the characteristics of paper-based devices and the results of an investigation into this hygroscopic behaviour of paper will be presented.