Development of a doctor blade printing method for fabrication of neutron activation foil arrays

Abstract

This study developed a manufacturing process that uses the doctor blade method for printing of neutron activation foil arrays. The doctor blade method addresses some of the limitations of other thick-film electrode printing techniques, including printing failure. Printed activation arrays of 9,216 and 36,864 foils arranged within a 10 cm x 10 cm area were prepared using the doctor blade method to improve the measurement accuracy of the neutron spatial distribution. Mass values were measured within 1% variation, indicating uniformity of mass distribution. No printing failure other than simple defects was observed. Moreover, this relatively simple process offers excellent mass-production potential.