Localized atmospheric plasma sintering of inkjet printed silver nanoparticlesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2jm35586h

Atmospheric pressure argon plasma sintering of silver nanoparticle inks was investigated to improve the plasma sintering process in terms of sintering speed, substrate friendliness and technical complexity. Sintering times were reduced to several seconds while achieving similar conductivity values of above 10% compared to bulk silver. Sintering can be carried out under ambient conditions at specific locations without exposing the entire substrate. Plasma sintering at atmospheric pressure exhibits the capability to be used in roll-to-roll production processes. Atmospheric pressure argon plasma sintering of silver nanoparticle inks was investigated to improve the plasma sintering process in terms of sintering speed, substrate friendliness and technical complexity.