Investigation of the effect of polyvinyl alcohol binder ratio on morphological, electrical, and rheological properties of iron III oxide matrix conductive inks by experimental and statistical methods

Conductive inks are innovative materials that play an important role in modern electronic applications thanks to their electrical conductivity properties. Conductive ink prepared with iron (III) oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) offers a sustainable innovation in modern software and electronic applications thanks to both the use of cost-effective environmentally friendly materials and its high conductivity properties. In this study, the effects of polyvinyl alcohol ratio used as a binder in the production of Fe 3 O 4 -based conductive inks on the electrical, morphological, and rheological structures of the inks were investigated experimentally and statistically. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses were performed for the structural and morphological characterization of conductive inks prepared with the addition of different polyvinyl alcohol ratios (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%). Also, viscosity measurements were made and recorded to observe the rheological behavior of the inks; resistance and conductivity measurements were made and evaluated for their electrical properties. A one-way analysis of variance was performed in the SPSS program using the numerical data obtained. As a result of experimental and statistical analysis, it was seen that the highest conductivity was obtained from conductive inks prepared using 1% polyvinyl alcohol binder by weight (1.0890 S/m), conductivity decreased as the binder ratio increased, and the lowest conductivity (0.0269 S/m) was obtained at a 5% polyvinyl alcohol ratio. However, it was observed that as the binder ratio increased from 1% to 5%, the viscosity value increased from 35.55 to 371.35 cP, increasing by 945%. In conclusion, it was seen that the polyvinyl alcohol ratio is a critical and essential parameter in the production of conductive ink, and the polyvinyl alcohol additive ratio directly affects performance.