A Novel Method Produces Pd nanoparticles for Ink-Jet Printing Technology

The free-radical polymerization method was used in this study to synthesize three kinds of oligomers (hydrophobic PS, PS-co-PMMA, hydrophilic PVAc) with sulfate group on chain end which can be successfully applied in reduction and stabilization of Pd nanoparticles without any surfactant. Pd nanoparticles are further used as the reductant for catalyzing electroless nickel(EN). Since the Pd nanoparticles are existed on the surface of oligomer. Therefore, the oligomers can effectively prevent Pd nanoparticles from oxidation and aggregation and use in ink-jet printing process. We also demonstrated that the water-based ink containing these Pd nanoparticles can be ink-jet printed onto the PET substrate, then, a Ni pattern is fabricated successfully by the electroless Ni plating.