SouthWest NanoTechnologies
Inc. (SWeNT), a leading manufacturer of single-wall and specialty multi-wall
carbon nanotubes (CNT), introduces CNT Inks based on V2VTM Ink Technology developed
by alliance partner, Chasm Technologies, Inc.
For the first time, carbon nanotubes can now be printed using commercial,
high-volume printing methods and equipment, including flexographic, gravure
and screen printing.
This breakthrough ink technology combined with SWeNT's unique ability to tailor
the synthesis of CNT materials for applications (using its patented CoMoCAT
process) will enable customers to print large area, low-cost devices for a wide
range of applications including energy-efficient lighting, affordable photovoltaics,
improved energy storage and printed electronics.
"Now, we can tailor the CNT properties for specific applications as well
as the CNT Ink properties for a customer's preferred printing method in a simple,
total solution," explains David Arthur, SWeNT CEO.
When these inks are dried, all but the CNT itself vanishes, leaving behind
no residual materials from dispersing aids or viscosity modifiers that can compromise
printed CNT performance.
According to Chasm Co-Founder, Bob Praino, "The combination of CNTs tailored
for performance with our V2V ink vehicle tailored for the desired printing method
is a very exciting innovation that makes it easier and less costly to incorporate
CNTs into a number of printed electronics applications."
SWeNT can incorporate all of its CNT products, conductive, single or multi-wall
into the inks.
The CNT Ink viscosity has been adjusted from 50 to 5,000 centipoise at CNT
concentrations of 1 gram per liter. This means that these inks are compatible
with a variety of printing processes and that the desired quantity of CNTs can
typically be applied in a single pass. Also, since drying is done at 100°C
or less, a wide variety of temperature sensitive substrates can be used.