Huntsman has won a joint Materialica finalist certificate with the Holst Centre in the surface and technology category for a new material using Araldite® Highly Flexible Composite, HFC, and the integration of an Organic Light Emitting Device, OLED, which opens up an enormous range of new generation lighting and signage design opportunities.
OLEDs are paper-thin, flexible and lightweight devices consuming up to 70% less energy compared to conventional light sources and making these the prime candidate for the next generation of lighting.
However, there has been one critical step to overcome: OLEDs are sensitive to moisture and even to oxygen and have to be protected from these in order to maintain a long lifetime. Therefore the success of OLEDs as a mass market product for general lighting and display hinges on the device encapsulation technology.
Huntsman is at the forefront of OLED encapsulation development. It is a member of the “Fast2Light consortium”, sponsored by the 7th framework programme of the EU. This consortium develops large area deposition processes for fabricating cost effective, roll-to-roll light emitting polymer OLED foils. In this collaboration, Huntsman is developing a new OLED barrier material that will significantly prolong the lifetime of OLEDs .
By integrating OLEDs into composite parts and combining the advantages of flexible, durable composites with the properties of thin, flexible, large surface OLEDs, new possibilities for designers and engineers are created and will be implemented in commercial products soon. Composites from now on can have additional functions.
Corporate logos, brand names or warning signs can be displayed; for example on the spoiler of a sports car or motorbike. Interior designers can add light sources onto flat carbon surfaces; for example on furniture; aerospace or on car interiors. And for the creative sports designer, he can add safety features as well as fashion light sources to items such as skis, snowboards and yachts.
When one considers the functionality, ergonomics and safety benefits of the combination of the two new technologies – Araldite® HFC and Flexible Light Emitting Foil – the list of possible applications is endless.