Intrinsiq targets new nanoparticle copper ink at RFID and smart packaging

Sara Ver-Bruggen - 01 Apr 2010

UK nanomaterials company Intrinsiq Materials is working with partners in the packaging and RFID industries to commercialise a copper ink formulation.

The ink can be used for sensory, covert and other smart packaging applications. Intrinsiq is in talks with companies in the packaging and paper industry to identify opportunities for its technology.

 

Inkjet

Though the ink can be used with several print processes, such as gravure, the company is promoting the compatibility of the material with inkjet, which is seeing increased uptake within the packaging sector. Inkjet can also be used for a range of other applications, such as prototyping and 3D printing. The technique can deposit inks on a variety of surfaces and forms.

A key advantage of the ink, explains Intrinsiq's director of government and strategic programmes Paul Reip, is that it can be cured at room temperature using standard laser diodes - equipment which can be bolted on to existing print production lines.

Intrinsiq is one of several companies developing copper ink. Others include Novacentrix in the US and Hitachi Chemical in Japan. Copper inks have the potential to replace silver inks in many commercial applications. Though highly conductive, silver is subject to pricing volatility and also raises environmental concerns - if the metal leaks into water its antimicrobial properties can be detrimental to treatment systems.

The company has also been working with the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, which already uses copper in huge quantities for fabricating circuits using etching and masking processes. However, these types of techniques result in materials wastage - metal and acids - because they are subtractive. Printing copper inks is an additive process and involves depositing material where it is needed.

Pack sizes ranging from 50ml upwards are now available directly from Intrinsiq Materials. The company has the capacity to produce up to 10 tonnes if needed, and Reip expects to see commercial demand pick up from 2011 onwards.