Iron microparticle deposition at high concentration

Purpose - Deposition of ink containing metal particles is possible using inkjet technologies. The purpose of this paper is to show a novel method for deposition of iron microparticles, with an average diameter of 1.24mm, on a glass substrate that can potentially achieve concentrations of 0.21 per cent or higher. Design/methodology/approach - The method combines drop-on-demand (DOD) technology with a creative way of positioning iron microparticles near to the nozzle's print head. The use of ferromagnetic particles allows the control of particle dispersion on the target sample surface. The particles are positioned close to the nozzle using a sharpened steel rod as holder and their alignment is controlled by generating an external magnetic field along the sharpened steel rod. Findings - Successful deposition of iron microparticles with a potential concentration of 0.21 per cent or higher is reported. Research limitations/implications - The implemented method is restricted to ferromagnetic particles or alloys of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials. Practical implications - The method described could be integrated to control the deposition of iron microparticles in the production of optoelectronic devices and biosensors. This method speeds up the deposition process due to the higher metal microparticle concentrations achieved. Originality/value - The deposition method introduced in the paper reached concentrations of 0.084 per cent, similar to the highest concentrations (0.1 per cent) reported with conventional methods (inkjet inks containing metal nanoparticles). It also prevents the blocking of the print head nozzles, thus improving the efficiency of Fe particle deposition.