Preparation of nickel-based Ni-Ag composite nanoparticles synthesized by DC arc-discharge plasma method and its sintering electrical properties

Ni-Ag nanoparticles were prepared by DC arc-discharge plasma method, using the compacted micron-sized powders of Ni and Ag as the raw targets. The content of Ni in Ni-Ag nanoparticles samples was 70. 54% (mass fraction). The particles' sizes were mainly in range of 30-70 nm. The results indicate that the resistivity of compressed Ni-Ag powders has low resistivity of 5. 36 x 10(-5) Omega . cm. The conductive ink is prepared by using of Ni-Ag nanoparticles (70. 54% of Ni) as the additive. An ink line is drew on a polyimide sheet matrix, subsequently dried and sintered at elevated temperatures under protective atmosphere of Ar. The electrical property testing results of sintering samples show dense structure and good conductivity over 300 degrees C. It is indicated that the resistivity of the sintered sample declines with the temperature rising, i. e. 1. 83 x 10(-3) Omega . cm at sintering temperature of 450 degrees C which is much lower than that of the ink line of pure Ni nanoparticles.