Researchers from Cambridge University, working with technology company Novalia, have developed a low-cost, water based and electrically conductive ink containing graphene, a form of carbon with many remarkable properties.
The ink can be printed onto flexible materials including paper and plastic, working at speeds of up to 100m/minute with a standard commercial press more typically used to print packaging materials such as bottle labels. This is the first time graphene has been used for such a high speed and inexpensive printing technology.
After printing, the prototype touch-pad devices on paper are cut from the reel. They require no specialist handling.
A simple circuit board is then attached to the print, which will be used to detect touch.
The researchers foresee applications for the ink ranging from large-scale manufacture of disposable biosensors and energy harvesters to smart packaging.