Formulation of Screen-Printable Cu Molecular Ink for Conductive/Flexible/Solderable Cu Traces.

Screen printing is the most common method used for the production of printed electronics. Formulating copper (Cu) inks that yield conductive fine features with oxidation and mechanical robustness on low-temperature substrates will open up opportunities to fabricate cost-effective devices. We have formulated a screen-printable Cu metal-organic decomposition (MOD) ink comprising Cu formate coordinated to 3-(diethylamino)-1,2-propanediol, a fractional amount of Cu nanoparticles (CuNPs), and a binder.

The role of amine ligands in governing film morphology and electrical properties of copper films derived from copper formate-based molecular inks.

Copper formate complexes with various primary amines, secondary amines and pyridines were prepared, and their decomposition into conductive films was characterized. A comparison of the various complexes reveals that the temperature of thermolysis depends on the number of hydrogen bonds that can be formed between the amine and formate ligands. The particle size resulting from sintering of the copper complexes is shown to depend on the fraction of amine ligand released during the thermolysis reaction.

Versatile Molecular Silver Ink Platform for Printed Flexible Electronics.

A silver molecular ink platform formulated for screen, inkjet, and aerosol jet printing is presented. A simple formulation comprising silver neodecanoate, ethyl cellulose, and solvent provides improved performance versus that of established inks, yet with improved economics. Thin, screen-printed traces with exceptional electrical (<10 mΩ/□/mil or 12 μΩ·cm) and mechanical properties are achieved following thermal or photonic sintering, the latter having never been demonstrated for silver-salt-based inks.

Strategies Used by Older Patients to Prevent Functional Decline During Hospitalization.

Almost one third of older patients hospitalized for acute care suffer functional decline. Few studies have investigated the point of view of older patients on prevention of this decline. Within the framework of a descriptive qualitative study, the perceptions of 30 hospitalized older adults were collected regarding their personal prevention strategies, the barriers to implementing these, and nursing staff interventions deemed useful.

Dependent seniors at home--formal and informal help.

Objectives: This article documents the number of hours of help that seniors living in private households received from formal and/or informal sources in 1996.

Data Source: Data are from Cycle 11 of the General Social Survey, conducted in 1996. This analysis focuses on 1,089 respondents aged 65 or older who, because of a long-term health problem, required assistance to remain in their homes and who indicated the source of assistance and the amount of help time received.