Experimental Analysis and Optimisation Techniques for Screen Printing of ZnO Nanomaterials

Abstract

Screen printing stands out due to its ease of setup and versatile printing capabilities, supporting various substrates such as glass, ceramics, textiles, plastics, and metals. This technique offers precise control over critical deposition parameters, including nanoink thickness, ink viscosity, and packing density, which are essential for high-quality prints. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles dispersed in ethylene glycol were processed to achieve a moderate viscosity of 23.8 cP. This laboratory-scale setup was designed to optimize screen printing parameters for enhanced ZnO deposition quality. Key variables, such as the viscosity of ZnO nanoink, printing modes, and stroke techniques, were rigorously assessed for their impact on print consistency, with adjustments made to refine the process. During experimentation, challenges emerged, including ink blurring, uncontrolled distribution, leakage, uneven prints, lack of sharpness, clogging, and misalignment. Specific adjustments, such as optimizing snap-off and off-contact distances, using screen mesh tape, applying controlled pressure, and securing the screen with clamps and vacuum holes, were implemented to address these challenges. This study introduces an optimized screen-printing setup for reliable ZnO nanoparticle deposition on glass substrate, supporting scalable production for applications in nanotechnology. Voltage measurements on the sensor made using the printed zinc oxide electrode yielded up to 0.9 mV which is suitable for low order flow measurements.