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Archive
Karani
[ July 7, 2025 by vasoula2025 0 Comments ]

Maria Karani

Personal Information

Maria Karani is currently scientific personnel at Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), focusing on thin film deposition methods using the Aerosol Jet Printing technology. My journey began with a Bachelor in Physics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), then acquired a MSc in Nanotechnology from Chalmers Technical University in Gothenburg, Sweden. My diverse career path includes consulting for Volvo Trucks AB as a Simulation Engineer for Hybrid/Full Electric Heavy Duty vehicles and serving as a Research Engineer at SiTEk Electro Optics AB, focusing on semiconductor-related optoelectronic devices. My enthusiasm for applied research in energy-related projects with significant societal impact brought her to CERTH in Thessaloniki.

Abstract

Aerosol Jet printing (AJP) is an advanced additive manufacturing technique that enables the high-resolution deposition of functional inks [i]—such as conductive nanoparticles, polymers, and biological materials—onto diverse substrates including rigid, flexible, and few-mm-rough surfaces. The process operates by atomizing the ink into a fine aerosol mist, typically via ultrasonic or pneumatic methods, which is then carried by a gas stream through a virtual impactor to remove oversised droplets, ensuring a narrow particle size distribution. The focused aerosol stream is subsequently directed through a converging nozzle and collimated by a sheath gas, enabling precise deposition with feature sizes as small as 20 μm. This maskless, non-contact, open-air deposition method allows for the creation of complex geometries with high aspect ratios and minimal overspray, making it particularly suitable for applications in microelectronics, biosensors, and conformal printed devices. Additionally, the low processing temperatures involved in AJP render it compatible with temperature-sensitive materials, positioning the technology at the forefront of flexible and wearable electronics manufacturing.

In this study, a comprehensive examination of the capabilities of the AJP technique is conducted through the presentation of representative proof-of-concept demonstrations and active research initiatives. These illustrative cases serve as a foundation for an in-depth discussion on the technique’s potential for advancing applications across diverse technological domains.

Lou Bernard (1)
[ July 4, 2025 by vasoula2025 0 Comments ]

Lou Bernard

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Lou Bernard studied at the Bordeaux Graduate School of Biomolecule Technology, Bordeaux, France, where she obtained first a bachelor’s degree and then M.S. degree in biotechnology engineering in 2023.
She did various work placements in startups on environmental microbiology and molecular biology where she was investigating bioplastic synthesis from organic waste and air depollution using bacteria. She is currently working as sustainability engineer at Lomartov, Valencia, Spain where she focuses on sustainability assessment of emerging technologies. This work includes conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), economic evaluations and using ecodesign methodology among other tasks, to evaluate impacts of innovative technologies.

Abstract

The primary objective of Sustain-a-Print (SaP) project is to develop novel life-cycle pathways for printed electronics (PE) to achieve circularity. This involves redesigning PE products and manufacturing processes, using biobased and compostable materials and promoting closed-loop recycling of the metals used in conductive inks. Two PE devices were developed in SaP following ecodesign principles: a biosensor and a membrane switch.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to calculate the environmental impacts of the ecodesigned PE devices, identifying key environmental hotspots and comparing them with the original devices produced under a linear economy model. A cradle-to-cradle approach was adopted, meaning that the scope of the assessment covers the production of the new materials, novel manufacturing processes and the end of life (EoL) of the PE devices. Special focus was placed on the EoL solutions proposed for the various components.

The ecodesigned biosensor shows a significant reduction in weight, mainly due to lower use of substrate and ink. This results in decreased environmental impacts, as lower quantity of metals —responsible for most of the environmental burden— is required, and a substantial portion is assumed to be recovered at the EoL. In contrast, the ecodesigned membrane switch uses more material, as the new copper ink is less conductive than the silver ink in the original device. Nonetheless, the environmental impacts of the new devices are still notably lower than its baseline, due to the lower impacts of copper compared to silver and the potential for metal recovery at EoL.

Domann
[ June 13, 2025 by vasoula2025 0 Comments ]

Gerhard Domann

Personal Information

Gerhard Domann studied Physics in Heidelberg and Oldenburg, Germany with a focus on organic solar cells. Since 2001 he works at Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate research. Main research topics have been the modification of inorganic-organic hybrid polymers for applications in printed electronics and microelectronics. Since 2008, Gerhard Domann holds an MBA from the University of Bradford, UK. Now, Gerhard Domann is responsible for the department “Application technology” that develops materials in the field of glasses, polymers, silicones and composites to be applied for optics, electronics, sensors, actuators and medical technology and fosters approaches to use digital methods in material research. Gerhard Domann has coordinated several European projects and is involved in other international project schemes. He holds about 10 patents in the fields of materials and components. Now, he coordinates the EU project CircEl-Paper.

Abstract

The targets set by the EU for the recollecting and recycling rate of e-waste are still not being met. This has a negative impact on sustainability and reduces the resilience of the European electronics industry for valuable materials.
This paper discusses a new approach to producing printed circuit boards that are easier to recycle than traditional FR4 boards. The core of the development is the use of paper and other more sustainable materials to establish a PCB technology for electronics that is in line with the implementation of the circular economy concept. To be competitive with established technologies, the developed paper-based electronic substrate should meet the specifications of simple FR4 PCBs in terms of integration density, metal conductivity and multilayer build-up capability. From an environmental point of view, the paper-based PCB has some advantages as paper is considered a bio-based material; recycling systems are widely established and accepted by customers. From a process engineering perspective, paper is also a suitable substrate for the application of R2R printing techniques.
However, there are also some disadvantages in terms of flame retardancy, water absorption and dimensional stability that need to be solved. – without compromising the recyclability of paper. It has to be noted that the requirements on sustainability relate not only to the board material, but also to all other materials to be used (conductors, adhesives, potting compounds, resistive materials, dielectrics, etc.)
This is the mission of the CircEL-Paper project funded by the European Commission (Grant agreement ID: 101070114): a modification of paper to meet the above requirements, which also enables electroplating processes and VIA technologies, but also printing technologies with environmentally friendly metal ink formulation, bio-based dielectrics and encapsulation materials, (conductive) adhesives and resistors. All materials used are examined by means of life cycle analyses and toxicological tests. The recyclability of each modification is examined and, if necessary, an adapted recycling technology is developed.