Specification Validation, focussed end-user specifications developed for the 4 end-users: BSH, Crown Packaging Manufacturing, Henkel NXP, developed with end-users. For particle development & stabilisation characterising the ‘standard’ nanomaterial products to identify the formulation challenges associated with them. Development of a low cost process reductions of 75% achieved through optimisation of the synthetic protocol, especially purification via cross flow filtration. Exploration of the synthetic conditions resulted in an x85 increase in product’s silver conc. Development work determined that Thomas Swan graphene was insufficiently conducting, and could not meet the requirements of either ink or adhesive. However an attractive component for hybrid materials. Existing synthetic process for copper nanoparticles successfully optimized. Dispersion of ferrite has proved difficult preventing dispersion in water. Formulation & testing of conductive adhesives, involved the development of nano-enabled conductive adhesives for the attachment of flexible devices. Formulation of an adhesive that matches materials properties with the mechanical characteristics required to support the use of larger FlexIC pad sizes. Formulation & testing conductive inks developed a nano-enabled conductive ink suitable for creating printed antennae that meet the requirements of WP2 (Specification Validation) by achieving:• High conductivity • A strict cost targets •Sustainability of particular interest a focus on the development of a water-based ink with zero VOC and halogen content.
Print process development & integration trials – adhesives, determined critical process factors for dispensing & curing novel isotropic & anisotropic adhesives, where possible widen this window, transfer this knowledge from a sheet to sheet system to the Műhlbauer R2R integration line (pilot line). Print process development & integration trials – inks, brought forward from M13 to M7 the reasons, to mitigate against a potential single point failure. Inks are being developed as part of WP5 and imperative that they were trialled using print proofing equipment whilst being developed. Otherwise there is a risk that significant time & resource is utilised to develop an ink that ultimately proves to be unsuitable. Optimisation of printing process on a sheet fed system, as part of WP2, both polymers and paper identified as potential substrates by the consortium. Electronics System Design, WP feeds into is to validate capability for volume manufacturing RF antenna & integrated NFC tags. Required: Use case & acceptable cost points, Known antenna capability, Demonstrator schematics, simulations & inlay design for the hybrid electronics solution, Cost optimised manufactured FlexIC with appropriate functionality, An attach process through a conductive attach adhesive. LCA, SHE and Regulatory Affairs, ensures that NECOMADA contributes to the circular economy & sustainable development in general. Work started on the review of minimising the ecological impact of NECOMADA products, Maximise ecological benefits of NECOMADA applications, identify potential SHE issues & provision of solutions & guidance & tackle potential sustainability & regulatory issues.
Exploitation & Dissemination, produced a project dissemination, communication strategy & project branding creating a project branding, ID of the marketing communication audience, website, social media & workshops. First project flyer produced for use at events/conferences, draft Business Plan for the operation of the pilot-line addressing the facility for the 5years post-funding. In first period of NECOMADA work started to publicise the project as widely as possible. Partners who attended events/conferences where they were presenting made every effort to mention and publicise the project.
