February 6, 2012 — Eastman Kodak Co. and the Conductive Polymers Division of Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG will demonstrate a 3.5” touchscreen panel for cell phone applications using Kodak HCF-225 Film/ESTAR Base as the transparent conductive component at the FlexTech Alliance 2012 Flexible Electronics & Displays Conference & Exhibition in Phoenix, AZ, February 6-9 at Heraeus booth #31.
A conductive pattern is screen printed onto Kodak HCF-225 Film/ESTAR Base using Heraeus Clevios SET S masking polymer. Clevios Etch is then used to create the non-conductive areas, and the masking polymer that protected the conductive pattern is removed. The etch technology enables invisible conductive traces, demonstrated in projected capacitive display designs and in LED displays on curved substrates.
“Today’s PEDOT films are up to 100 times more conductive than they were 10 years ago,” said John Bayley, European Sales & Marketing Manager for Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG’s Conductive Polymers Division.
The companies demonstrated these transparent conductive films first in 2011 on a 14” display at the IDTechEX Printed Electronics USA 2011 show, November 30-December 1 in Santa Clara, CA. Read Kodak, Heraeus touchscreen conductive film proves completely invisible to understand the benefits over indium tin oxide (ITO).
“The advent of invisible patterning technology enables PEDOT-based films to satisfy the design goals of smart phone and tablet makers in markets that require very high optical clarity and multi-touch response,” said Dr. Stephan Kirchmeyer, Head of the Functional Coatings Business Unit from Heraeus Conductive Polymers Division.
“The cost and performance of this new technology opens the door to the production of a new generation of touch screens built for electronic devices using high volume web coating manufacturing processes,” said Brian Marks, General Manager, Functional Printing, Eastman Kodak Company. “It is positioned to utilize in-line patterning processes creating substantial cost advantages compared to the sputtering and patterning techniques required in the manufacture of ITO films.”
Kodak’s Industrial Materials Group offers a portfolio of functional films support customers in the electronic, optical and related industrial markets. For more information, visit http://www.kodak.com.
Heraeus supplies precious metals, materials and technologies; sensors; biomaterials; and medical products, as well as dental products, quartz glass, and specialty light sources. Visit the Conductive Polymers Division of Heraeus at www.clevios.com.