Additive Manufactured Boron Nitride Coatings for Extreme Environments
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Brian Jaques (Mentor), Boise State University
Abstract
With the recent surge in Additive Electronics Manufacturing (AEM) technologies, industry demand has risen for nanoparticle based printed electronics. Furthermore, researchers aspire to develop printable coatings that act as electrical insulators, thermal conductors, and suitable anti-corrosion barriers and ultimately enhance the efficiency and functionality of printed electronics in extreme environments. Meanwhile, these inks should be compatible with AEM methods such as ink jet printing (IJP), aerosol jet printing (AJP), and micro dispense printing (MDP). Boron nitride (BN) coatings have favorable traits such as high thermal conductivity, functionality at extreme temperatures, and low weight. As-received cubic and hexagonal BN powders were characterized via particle size analysis (PSA) to find the particle size distribution, X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify phase purity and crystallite size, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for particle morphology. The characterization was performed in order to develop processes for formulating BN-loaded inks. This work concluded that polymer-based ink formulations are effective and ensure printable ink with tunable viscosity that adapts to the desired printing method. Project results provide a better understanding of powder features like particle size, tendencies towards agglomeration, and electrical properties that are essential in formulating an ink with variability for application in printed device technology.
Additive Manufactured Boron Nitride Coatings for Extreme Environments
With the recent surge in Additive Electronics Manufacturing (AEM) technologies, industry demand has risen for nanoparticle based printed electronics. Furthermore, researchers aspire to develop printable coatings that act as electrical insulators, thermal conductors, and suitable anti-corrosion barriers and ultimately enhance the efficiency and functionality of printed electronics in extreme environments. Meanwhile, these inks should be compatible with AEM methods such as ink jet printing (IJP), aerosol jet printing (AJP), and micro dispense printing (MDP). Boron nitride (BN) coatings have favorable traits such as high thermal conductivity, functionality at extreme temperatures, and low weight. As-received cubic and hexagonal BN powders were characterized via particle size analysis (PSA) to find the particle size distribution, X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify phase purity and crystallite size, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for particle morphology. The characterization was performed in order to develop processes for formulating BN-loaded inks. This work concluded that polymer-based ink formulations are effective and ensure printable ink with tunable viscosity that adapts to the desired printing method. Project results provide a better understanding of powder features like particle size, tendencies towards agglomeration, and electrical properties that are essential in formulating an ink with variability for application in printed device technology.