Current Photovoltaic Research ISSN:2288-3274(Print) 2508-125X(Online)

In this paper, core-shell structure of nickel/gold (Ni/Au) conductive layer on poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) micro-ball was fabricated and its conduction property was investigated. Firstly, PMMA micro-ball was synthesized by using dispersion polymerization method. Size of the ball was 2.8 μm within ±7% deviation, and appropriate elastic deformation of the PMMA micro-ball ranging from 31 to 39% was achieved under 3 kg pressure. Also, 200 nm thick Ni/Au conductive layer was fabricated on the PMMA micro-ball by uniformly depositing with electroless-plating. Adhesion of the conductive layer was optimized with help of surface pre-treatment, and the layer adhered without peeling-off despite of thermal expansion by collision with accelerated electrons. Composite paste containing core-shell structured particles well cured at low temperature of 130°C while pressing the test chip onto the substrate to make electrical contact, and electrical resistance of the conductive layer showed stable behavior of about 6.0 Ω. Thus, it was known that core-shell structured particle of the Ni/Au conductive layer on PMMA micro-ball was feasible to flexible electronics.