Polyaniline coated poly(butyl methacrylate) core–shell particles: roll-to-roll printing of templated electrically conductive structures

Polyaniline coated poly(butyl methacrylate) core–shell particles were synthesized and formulated into electrically conductive colloidal inks appropriate for use in roll-to-roll printing. Since the first demonstration of an organic field-effect transistor, a specific interest in fabricating low-cost, large area organic electronics through the exploitation of conventional ink-jet, screen, or roll-to-roll printing technologies has developed. Using a commercial roll-to-roll printing press, interdigitated test figures were printed with the core–shell colloidal ink down to a line thickness of ca. 40 µm. The printed zones exhibited a conductivity of ca. 0.5 Ω−1 cm−1, though this conductivity could be modified by altering the composition of the ink to include more uncoated poly(butyl methacrylate) particles. Heating the printed zone above 35 °C allowed the core to flow, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties of the printed zone.