Optimized RF/microwave antennas and circuits on low-cost fibrous substrates using inkjet-printing technology

In this article, a procedure for printing and optimizing microwave antennas and passive circuits on low-cost fibrous paper substrates for green sensing and communication application is investigated. Inkjet-printing method is used to deposit a silver-nanoparticle-based conductive ink on a cardboard substrate. A surface treatment through the printing of a dielectric ink before the conductive deposition is required to improve the surface roughness and minimize the conductive ink substrate absorption. The practical inaccuracies are taken into account and included in the simulation model. The validity of the simulation model is verified through the simulation of practical topologies of a bandstop filter and of a patch antenna.