Dispersion Control of Multi-component, Non-aqueous, and Concentrated Pastes of Metal Particles

Abstract

In order to realize the control of dispersion state and the alignment structure of multi-component particles in highly concentrated metal pastes, a processing route to simultaneously attach functional nanoparticles on metal fine particles and to stabilize metal particles in solvents has established. Using SiO₂ nanoparticles as model nanoparticles, their surface was first modified with a complex of polyethyleneimine and oleic acid (PEI-OA), which is expected to be a useful dispersant that can be attached on various species of particles and to stabilize particles in non-aqueous solvents. Then, bare Ni fine particles were simply added into the PEI-OA modified SiO₂ nanoparticle/toluene dispersion. Based on this simple mixing process, it was found that surface modified SiO₂ nanoparticles can attached on Ni fine particles through PEI-OA and the obtained Ni/SiO₂ composites can be stabilized in toluene even under highly concentrated conditions.