Processing and optimization of laser-activated Cu and Ni inks for ceramic tile inkjet printing

Lahlahi-Attalhaoui, A. ; Porcar, S. ; Cuadra, J.G. ; Toca, S. ; Fraga, D. ; Jordán, M.D. ; Cervera, I. ; Fuente, G.F. de la ; Carda, J.B.

Resumen: This study presents a technique for the metallization of ceramic surfaces under ambient conditions, using metallic inks activated through direct laser writing. This process represents a significant advancement in surface processing technology in the ceramic tile industry. The method involves crystallizing metallic coatings directly onto the ceramic surface, using a Cu or Ni polymer coordination complex. A uniform and vitrified metallic coating is formed on the ceramic when exposed to pulsed laser irradiation at 1064 nm. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirm the formation of face-centered cubic phases of Cu and Ni. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis reveals spherical grains embedded in the matrix with diameters smaller than 150 nm. TEM analysis confirms the presence of crystals with an average size smaller than 20 nm, which induce Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) effects. The absorption effect observed at 450 and 350 nm, indicated by UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy, is attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effects of Cu and Ni particles on the glass coating. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirms the laser-induced redox transformation of Cu(II) and Ni(II) precursor complexes into reduced Cu(0) and Ni(0) nanoparticles, while also confirming the formation of a thin oxide coating of CuO and NiO on the surface. This approach holds great potential for digital ceramic decoration due to the scalable nature of this technique.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.03.120

Año: 2025

Publicado en: Ceramics International (2025), [13 pp.]
ISSN: 0272-8842

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/AEI/TED2021-130963B-C22
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/T54-23R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/AEI/PID2020-116719RB-C43

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)