Microstructural response of graphite nanoplatelet printing inks to shear

In this proposal we aim to understand how the composition of graphite nanoplatelet-based inks for printed flexible conductors affects the ink’s structural response to shear forces during printing by performing rheo-SAXS experiments at ID02. We will investigate the effects of: graphite loading, aspect ratio, and additives on shear-induced structural rearrangements like platelet alignment, which will affect the conductivity of printed conductors. Moreover, we aim to understand the previously observed heat-induced gelation mechanism on a structural level, which is essential for ink spreading behavior on substrates. We have recently investigated the static colloidal properties of our graphite dispersions at ID02 (proposal SC5184) and now would like to focus on the dynamic properties by simulating printing conditions with rheo-SAXS.