In this work, we present a proof-of-concept demonstration of inkjet-printed resistive temperature sensors based on nanoparticle platinum ink on flexible polyimide substrates. The resistive temperature sensors are designed as meander structures with a target nominal resistance of 100 and 1000 Ω to be compared to conventional bulk Pt100 and Pt1000 resistors. Thermogravimetric analysis and in situ resistance measurements identified 250°C as the optimal sintering temperature, enabling sufficient solvent removal for conductive structure formation while avoiding Pt surface oxidation and polyimide substrate degradation. Electrical characterization in the 20°C–80°C range revealed a linear relationship between resistance and temperature with effective temperature coefficients of resistance (~48%/57%) and sensitivities (~72%/87%) compared to Pt100/Pt1000 standards, respectively. Mechanical testing over 400 bending cycles showed less than 1% change in electrical resistance, confirming robust flexibility. This study demonstrates the feasibility of translating nanoparticle Pt-based resistive temperature sensors into flexible and automotive sensing applications, offering low-temperature processability, stable temperature coefficients of resistance, linear sensitivity, mechanical robustness, and chemical stability across 20°C–80°C range.
Advanced Engineering Materials , 2026, xxx (xxx), e202501740.