Sintering of Nanoparticles and Nanoparticulate Thick Films

Due to their high surface area, high surface energy, and low melting temperature, nanoparticles can be sintered at a much lower temperature than conventional, micron-sized powder particles. This research is aimed understanding fundamental phenomena that influence the sintering of nanoparticles. The aim is to produce high quality thick films at low processing temperature by supersonic impaction of nanoparticles, followed by a low temperature anneal. Such a process would allow low cost polymeric substrates to replace ceramic and glass substrates that are currently used.

This research is performed in collaboration with the Keto, Becker, and Ferreira research groups.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DMR 1006894