Herbert Enser

Concept for printed ferroelectric sensors on coated metallic substrates

In this work we report on the integration of all-printed multi-layer ferroelectric sensor stacks into organic coatings on metallic surfaces like sheet steel. Manufacturing techniques for realizing thin film sensor layers on top of organic coatings using screen printing are presented. Results for the piezo/pyroelectric sensor layer with variable printing parameters are then analysed and compared.

Modeling and fabrication of low-cost electrowetting actuators for flexible microfluidic display applications

We investigate and characterize three different fabrication methods facilitating low-cost electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) structures. EWOD allows setting fluid droplets in motion by electrically altering the surface tension equilibrium at the triple contact line. We present a fabrication method for flexible EWOD structures by screen printing a transparent and conducting poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PDOT:PSS) polymer on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foil. As a demonstator for applications, a prototype of a flexible microfluidic EWOD display cell is FEM simulated and characterized in terms of feasibility and response speed for various pixel scalings. The accordingly constructed microfluidic pixel serves as a basis cell for a future flexible EWOD cell multigrid where all pixels are directly addressable.

Printed capacitive touch sensors embedded in organic coatings on sheet steel

We present the first realization of printed capacitive touch buttons and touch pads integrated into the organic coatings on sheet steel. The properties of coated sheet steel relevant for printing are discussed and compared to substrates, commonly used for printed electronics. Different designs and read-out methods for capacitive buttons on sheet steel have been screen printed and their sensitivity in dependence on design parameters is rated.

FEM-Simulation and Experimental Realization of Low-Cost Electrowetting Actuators for a Flexible Microfluidic Pixel

We investigate and characterize three different fabrication methods facilitating low-cost electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) structures. EWOD allows setting fluid droplets in motion by electrically altering the surface tension equilibrium at the triple contact line. We present a fabrication method for flexible EWOD structures by screen printing a transparent and conducting poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PDOT:PSS) polymer on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foil. As a demonstrator for applications, i.e., a flexible microfluidic EWOD display cell is simulated using FEM and characterized in terms of feasibility and response speed for various pixel scaling. The accordingly fabricated microfluidic pixel serves as a basis cell for a bendable and flexible EWOD cell multigrid, where all pixels are directly addressable.