Printability and Environmental Testing using Silver-based Conductive Flexographic Ink Printed on a Polyamide Substrate

The effect of simulated environmental exposure conditions (high heat, freezing temperature, rain, and vacuum pressure) on the performance of a silver-based conductive flexo ink printed on a polyamide (nylon 6,6) substrate was examined. Conductivity, density, color, adhesion, abrasion resistance and creasing were evaluated. The tested environmental variables did not have an effect on the performance quality of silver conductive flexographic ink when printed on a polyamide substrate for the 85 - 100% solid ink density levels. Rain and temperature had the greatest impact on print performance in the 70-80% tint range. Exposure to these elements affected adhesion properties of the ink to the substrate, which lead to a negative effect on the conductivity and abrasion performance. This study indicated an antenna printed at common ink density levels using a silver-based flexographic printing ink on a polymeric film is a possible solution for the implementation of printed RFID components. This is a manufacturing option that can bring the packaging industry from a "slap and stick" RFID labeling method to an actual inline production method that can be applicable to both primary and secondary package tagging needs. Lastly, the study utilizes common ink testing procedures that will be useful in the development of standards for the production of printed RFID components in packaging applications.