An Aerosol Jet Printed Resistance Temperature Detector‐Micro Hotplate with Temperature Coefficient of Resistance Stabilized by Electrical Sintering

Journal Article · 05 April 2023 · Advanced Materials Technologies

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202202053 · OSTI ID:1983473

Sui, Yongkun  ^[1]; Tsui, Lok‐kun ^[2]; Thibodeaux, Alfred J. ^[1]; Lavin, Judith M. ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Laboratories Albuquerque NM 87123 USA
2. Sandia National Laboratories Albuquerque NM 87123 USA, Center for Micro‐Engineered Materials University of New Mexico Albuquerque NM 87106 USA

Abstract Aerosol jet printing (AJP) is an emerging direct write tool enabling rapid prototyping and fabrication of electronics components. AJP provides faster and less expensive production of devices with feature sizes of >10 microns compared to traditional MEMS processes. Herein, the fabrication of a resistance temperature detector‐micro hotplate (RTD‐µHP) is reported using AJP printed silver. AJP eliminates sophisticated MEMS processes such as masking, alignment, and etching. The compatibility of the AJP process with a broad range of materials is demonstrated by printing highly resolved lines on rigid and flexible substrates. Optimal thermal sintering conditions of AJP printed silver (Ag) lines are found by in situ resistance measurements. To stabilize the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the RTD‐µHP at high operating current levels, electrical sintering is performed on the RTD‐µHPs. Electrical sintering improves the conductivity of fully thermally sintered Ag RTD‐µHPs by 32% and provides a burn‐in mechanism for stabilizing the TCR. The TCR of the RTD‐µHPs after electrical sintering is 3.80 × 10 ⁻³ at 22 °C, close to the value for bulk Ag. The performance of the RTD‐µHPs is tested using a reference thermocouple. The RTD‐µHPs show reliable and repeatable heating and temperature sensing up to 70 °C in air.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 1983473
• Journal Information: Advanced Materials Technologies, Journal Name: Advanced Materials Technologies Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 8; ISSN 2365-709X
• Publisher: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English