Dispersion quality of metal particle inks measured by a magnetic probing technique and its relation to tape quality

The dispersion quality of magnetic inks made from iron-based metal particle has been investigated using a magnetic probing technique known as dispersion by magnetic measurement (DIMAG). A comparison of the DC magnetic field (DCON) values measured at different binder levels to the tape characteristics shows that dispersions with large negative DCON signals result in good-quality tapes. The DIMAG technique is useful in a qualitative characterization of the dispersion quality of metal particle inks prepared at different wetting binder concentrations. The sensitivity of the DIMAG signal to the binder level and the correlation between the DIMAG signal and tape quality imply that the DIMAG technique has the potential of providing information on optimum ink formulations