From Circular Electronics to Industrial Performance - The Story Behind SECTR
In this episode of printconnect, we welcome Léonardo Giacomini, Printed Electronics Product Manager at VFP Ink Technologies, to explore how a European research project focused on recyclable paper-based electronics led to the development of SECTR, a conductive silver ink with applications far beyond its original brief. We discuss the technical challenges of printing electronics onto paper, the relationship between low-temperature curing and electrical performance, and the importance of considering sustainability throughout a product's lifecycle. Léonardo also explains how collaborative research can drive industrial innovation, with opportunities for conductive inks extending into automotive, aerospace, smart packaging and other emerging applications.
Topics include
The origins of SECTR - How the European CircEl-Paper project led to the development of a new conductive silver ink.
Printing electronics on paper - The challenges of heat-sensitive substrates and manufacturing processes.
Low-temperature curing - Balancing curing temperature, processing time, conductivity and adhesion.
Environmental considerations - Bio-based materials, non-CMR formulations and end-of-life recyclability.
From research to industry - How collaborative development can create wider commercial opportunities.
Emerging applications - Opportunities in automotive, aerospace, printed sensors, flexible circuits and smart packaging.