Characterization of lithographically printed resistive strain gauges
This paper reports progress in sensor fabrication by the conductive lithographic film (CLF) printing process. Work describing strain-sensitive structures manufactured using a modified printing process and conductive inks is addressed. The performance of a "single-ink" strain-sensitive structure when printed on six alternative substrates (GlossArt, PolyArt, Teslin, Mylar C, Melinex, and Kapton) is analyzed. Though not intending to compete with conventional gauges in high-tolerance measurement, the structures exhibit properties that indicate suitability for novel applications.
RF performance of inkjet and stencil printed traces for flexible electronics applications
Interest in body area networks (BAN) operating in the millimeter-wave regime (60 GHz) is increasing due to concerns over the security of data transfer. Obtaining low loss in the higher frequencies is important for high performance interconnects. In this paper, two materials deposition techniques — inkjet printing and stencil printing are being investigated for creating conductive traces on fabrics to enable high frequency (up to 20 GHz) applications. In the inkjet printing, various surface treatments were considered and utilized to improve the ink-substrate interaction for the enhancement of adhesion of the deposited structures. Finally the RF losses of printed microstrip lines using the above techniques were analyzed, compared against the copper traces which are conventionally achieved by etching process.
Formation and Strength of Magnesia Whiskers
The formation of single-crystal magnesia whiskers during the compressive deformation of single crystals at room temperatures is described. These whiskers can have strengths of the order of millions of pounds per square inch. They are formed during fracture as a result of the discontinuous propagation of cracks which are mechanically relieving internal stresses resulting from plastic flow