Fabrication and Characterization of Conductive Inks Based on Silver Nanoparticles for Flexible and Wearable Electronics

Abstract

The rapid advancement of flexible and wearable electronic devices has intensified the demand for highly conductive, mechanically stable, and cost-effective printable materials. Conductive inks based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as leading candidates due to their superior electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and compatibility with low-temperature processing. This study presents the synthesis, formulation, and comprehensive characterization of silver nanoparticle-based conductive inks intended for flexible and wearable electronic applications. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a controlled chemical reduction method and subsequently dispersed into polymeric binders to formulate printable inks. The effects of particle size, ink viscosity, curing temperature, and substrate flexibility on electrical conductivity and mechanical durability were systematically investigated. Electrical performance was evaluated through sheet resistance measurements, while mechanical reliability was assessed under repeated bending and stretching cycles. Results demonstrate that optimized AgNP inks exhibit low resistivity, excellent adhesion, and stable conductivity under mechanical deformation, making them suitable for next-generation flexible electronics, sensors, and wearable devices.