Investigating the influence of sintering on macro and micro geometry of 3D RF structures

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Jörg Ernst Franke
• Subject Area: Communication Technology and Networks, High-Frequency Technology and Photonic Systems, Signal Processing and Machine Learning for Information Technology ; Primary Shaping and Reshaping Technology, Additive Manufacturing
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 528402728

This research project investigates the influence of different sintering methods on the surface quality of printed conductive structures, which is of crucial importance for high-frequency applications. For this purpose, aerosol-printed and dried silver-containing nanoparticle inks are sintered using various methods. The influences of the process-specific factors are quantified and summarized in models using appropriate design of experiments. In addition to the process-specific factors, the influences of particle geometry and dielectrics on which the conductive layers are applied are also taken into account. The resulting conductive structures are analysed using laser scanning microscopy, FIB-SEM, RAMAN spectroscopy and electrical measurement methods.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 5727: 3D functionalization for radio frequency applications