Method for manufacturing a pixelated light emitting fiber, pixelated light emitting fiber and display fabric

Abstract

The application discloses a preparation method of pixelated light-emitting fiber, pixelated light-emitting fiber and display fabric. The preparation method comprises the following steps: forming a light-emitting functional layer surrounding the base fiber on the base fiber with a first electrode on the surface; forming a plurality of insulating barrier layers surrounding the light-emitting functional layer on the light-emitting functional layer, and the adjacent barrier layers are arranged at intervals; forming a second electrode precursor surrounding the light-emitting functional layer and the barrier layer; forming a plurality of first barrier layers surrounding the second electrode precursor on the second electrode precursor, and the adjacent first barrier layers have gaps above the barrier layers; removing the second electrode precursor between the adjacent first barrier layers under the block of the first barrier layer and the barrier layer, and forming a plurality of second electrodes at intervals; and removing the first barrier layer. The preparation method of the pixelated light-emitting fiber can widen the shape range of the base fiber.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of wearable display, in particular to a preparation method of pixelated light-emitting fiber, pixelated light-emitting fiber and display fabric. BACKGROUND

[0002] The flexible display screen in the form of a flat plate has been widely applied in portable electronic devices such as smart phones and smart watches. Although the flexible display screen itself can be bent, it still needs to form a planar flexible display substrate, which limits the form of the flexible display screen. Wearable display devices need flexible display devices with free form, and electronic fabric has a free form, so the wearable display device based on electronic fabric is considered as one of the most potential development directions of flexible display.

[0003] The core component of the electronic fabric is the light-emitting fiber, that is, a light-emitting functional body is prepared on the base fiber to realize self-luminous of a single fiber. In the traditional technology, the process of preparing the light-emitting functional body on the base fiber mainly includes dip coating and evaporation. Dip coating can be applied to prepare relatively thin light-emitting fibers, but dip coating produces a complete film, and it is difficult to prepare pixelated electrodes by dip coating. Evaporation can be combined with a mask to prepare pixelated electrodes, but it is difficult to control the shielding position and precision when the mask is applied to a curved surface, which limits the specific shape of the substrate. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a preparation method of pixelated light-emitting fiber capable of widening the range of applicable base fiber shapes, and correspondingly, to provide a pixelated light-emitting fiber and a display fabric prepared by the preparation method of the pixelated light-emitting fiber.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present application, a preparation method of pixelated light-emitting fiber comprises the following steps:

[0006] providing a base fiber with a first electrode on the surface;

[0007] forming a light-emitting functional layer surrounding and covering the base fiber on the base fiber;

[0008] forming a plurality of insulating barrier layers surrounding and covering the light-emitting functional layer on the light-emitting functional layer, the adjacent barrier layers being arranged with a spacing therebetween;

[0009] forming a second electrode precursor surrounding and covering the light-emitting functional layer and the barrier layer;

[0010] forming a plurality of first barrier layers surrounding and covering the second electrode precursor on the second electrode precursor, the adjacent first barrier layers exposing the barrier layer between the adjacent first barrier layers;

[0011] removing the second electrode precursor between the adjacent first barrier layers to form a plurality of spaced second electrodes.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second electrode precursor between the adjacent first barrier layers is removed by etching.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the second electrode precursor between the adjacent first barrier layers is removed, an etching solution with water and / or alcohol as solvent is used for etching, and the material of the barrier layer and the material of the first barrier layer are both polymer materials.

[0014] In one embodiment, the step of forming a plurality of first barrier layers specifically comprises: circumferentially coating a solution with the material of the first barrier layer on a predetermined position on the second electrode precursor, and removing the solvent in the solution to solidify the material of the first barrier layer on the second electrode precursor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the material of the first barrier layer is selected from one or more of polymethyl methacrylate, polymethyl glutarimide, polystyrene and phenolic resin.

[0016] In one embodiment, in the process of forming the second electrode precursor, a metal is evaporated by evaporation to form the second electrode precursor, and when the second electrode precursor between the adjacent first barrier layers is removed, the etching solution is an acidic etching solution.

[0017] In one embodiment, the step of forming a plurality of barrier layers specifically comprises: circumferentially coating a liquid solidifiable glue on the light-emitting functional layer, and solidifying the solidifiable glue to form a plurality of spaced barrier layers.

[0018] In one embodiment, the light-emitting functional layer is formed by dip coating.

[0019] In one embodiment, after the first barrier layer is removed, the following steps are further included:

[0020] forming an encapsulation layer circumferentially covering the second electrodes and the barrier layers, and exposing part of the second electrodes;

[0021] forming an external electrode electrically connected with the second electrodes on the second electrodes exposed by the encapsulation layer.

[0022] In one embodiment, the step of preparing the encapsulation layer specifically comprises:

[0023] A pre-encapsulation assembly is formed that integrally surrounds and covers each of the second electrodes and each of the barrier layers;

[0024] A second barrier layer is formed on the encapsulation precursor, covering a portion of the encapsulation precursor, and the second barrier layer has gaps that expose a portion of the encapsulation precursor located on each of the second electrodes;

[0025] The portion of the package precursor not covered by the second barrier layer is etched to expose portions of each of the second electrodes;

[0026] Remove the second barrier layer.

[0027] Correspondingly, a pixelated light-emitting fiber includes: a substrate fiber having a first electrode on its surface, a light-emitting functional layer, a plurality of barrier layers spaced apart, and a plurality of second electrodes spaced apart.

[0028] The light-emitting functional layer surrounds and encapsulates the substrate fiber;

[0029] Each of the barrier layers surrounds and covers the light-emitting functional layer, with a portion of the light-emitting functional layer exposed between two adjacent barrier layers;

[0030] The second electrode surrounds the light-emitting functional layer between adjacent barrier layers, and the interval between two adjacent second electrodes is located on the barrier layer.

[0031] In one embodiment, the second electrode surrounds the light-emitting functional layer between adjacent barrier layers and extends to the barrier layers on both sides of the light-emitting functional layer.

[0032] In one embodiment, the base fiber is elongated, and the cross-section of the base fiber is circular, elliptical, rectangular, or trapezoidal, with a radial width of 5 μm to 1000 μm.

[0033] In one embodiment, the barrier layer is made of a hydrophobic polymer; and / or

[0034] The second electrode is made of a metallic material.

[0035] In one embodiment, the light-emitting functional layer includes an organic light-emitting layer or a quantum dot light-emitting layer.

[0036] In one embodiment, an encapsulation layer is further included, which surrounds and covers each of the second electrodes and each of the barrier layers, and exposes a portion of the second electrodes. An external electrode is disposed on the exposed second electrodes of the encapsulation layer, and the external electrode is electrically connected to the second electrodes.

[0037] Further, a display fabric comprising the pixelated light-emitting fiber prepared by the method for preparing a pixelated light-emitting fiber according to any one of the above embodiments, or comprising the pixelated light-emitting fiber according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0038] In one of the embodiments, the pixelated light-emitting fiber and the barrier fiber extend along a first direction and are alternately and spacedly arranged side by side, the conductive fiber and the support fiber extend along a second direction different from the first direction and are alternately and spacedly arranged side by side, the first direction intersects the second direction, the pixelated light-emitting fiber and the barrier fiber are first fibers, the conductive fiber and the support fiber are second fibers, the first fibers are interwoven between the second fibers one above the other, and the second fibers are interwoven between the first fibers one above the other, and each of the conductive fibers is electrically connected to the second electrode in each of the pixelated light-emitting fibers.

[0039] In the conventional technology, if a pixelated electrode is needed, it is usually formed by shielding with a mask, but the mask is generally only suitable for use on a planar surface with a large area, and when used on a curved surface, it is difficult to align. The method for preparing a pixelated light-emitting fiber in at least one of the above embodiments can form a pixelated second electrode by introducing a barrier layer and a first blocking layer to directionally remove part of the second electrode precursor, thereby eliminating the use of a mask and widening the range of applicable base fiber shapes. Specifically, not only can a pixelated second electrode be prepared on a base fiber with a small area and a flat side, but also on a base fiber with a curved side. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the preparation process of the pixelated light-emitting fiber;

[0041] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a schematic view of the structure of the light-emitting functional layer in the pixelated light-emitting fiber;

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the pixelated light-emitting fiber;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the weaving structure of the display fabric;

[0044] In the above embodiments, the following signs and their meanings are as follows:

[0045] 100, pixelated light emitting fiber; 110, base fiber; 120, light emitting functional layer; 121, hole injection layer; 122, hole transport layer; 123, electroluminescent material layer; 124, electron injection layer; 130, barrier layer; 140, second electrode; 141, second electrode precursor; 150, encapsulation layer; 151, encapsulation precursor; 160, external electrode; 210, first barrier layer; 220, second barrier layer; 300, barrier fiber; 400, support fiber; 500, conductive fiber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the application, the application will be described in greater detail below. Various embodiments are presented of the application. However, the application can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in the description of the application herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, "plurality" includes two and more than two items. As used herein, "more than some number" should be interpreted to mean the some number and a range greater than the some number.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the application, a method for manufacturing a pixelated light emitting fiber comprises the following steps:

[0049] providing a base fiber having a first electrode on a surface thereof;

[0050] forming a light emitting functional layer around the base fiber on the base fiber;

[0051] forming a plurality of insulating barrier layers around the light emitting functional layer on the light emitting functional layer, the barrier layers being spaced apart from each other;

[0052] forming a second electrode precursor around the light emitting functional layer and the barrier layers;

[0053] forming a plurality of first barrier layers around the second electrode precursor on the second electrode precursor, the first barrier layers being spaced apart from each other, the barrier layers being exposed between the first barrier layers; wherein the barrier layers can be partially exposed between the first barrier layers;

[0054] removing the second electrode precursor between the first barrier layers to form a plurality of second electrodes, the second electrodes being spaced apart from each other.

[0055] The base fiber is a long strip-shaped fiber, specifically, the length of the base fiber is ≥1 cm; the upper limit of the length of the base fiber can be selected by the skilled person according to the actual fabric requirements, for example, the length of the base fiber is ≤1000 cm. The base fiber can be linear or curved. The cross section of the base fiber can be a shape surrounded by a curve, such as a circle or an ellipse. The cross section of the base fiber can also be a shape surrounded by a broken line, such as a rectangle or a trapezoid. It can be understood that if the cross section of the base fiber is a shape surrounded by a curve, the side surface of the base fiber is a curved surface. In the conventional technology, if it is necessary to form a pixelated electrode, it is usually necessary to use a mask for shielding, but the mask is generally only suitable for use on a flat surface with a large area, and when used on a curved surface, it will cause the problem of difficult alignment. The preparation method of the pixelated light-emitting fiber provided in the embodiment is not only suitable for use on a flat surface with a small area, but also can be used on a curved surface, so as to take into account the adaptation to a variety of base fibers with different shapes.

[0056] In one specific example, the radial width of the base fiber is 5 μm-1000 μm, wherein the radial width refers to the distance between the two points farthest in the radial direction. For example, if the cross section of the base fiber is circular, the radial width is the diameter thereof; if the cross section of the base fiber is rectangular, the radial width is the diagonal thereof; and if the cross section of the base fiber is elliptical, the radial width is the major axis thereof. Further, the radial width of the base fiber is 5 μm, 10 μm, 20 μm, 50 μm, 100 μm, 500 μm, 1000 μm or a range between any of the above radial widths.

[0057] Reference is made to Figure 1 which shows a specific preparation process of the preparation method of the pixelated light-emitting fiber 100, which includes the following steps.

[0058] Step S1, providing a base fiber 110, the base fiber 110 having a first electrode. Forming a light-emitting functional layer 120 on the base fiber 110, the light-emitting functional layer 120 surrounding and covering the base fiber 110.

[0059] In one specific example, the base fiber 110 is selected from electrically conductive fibers. Specifically, the electrically conductive fibers can be selected from metal fibers, carbon fibers, electrically conductive polymer fibers, artificial polymer fibers coated with an electrically conductive layer on the surface, or natural fibers coated with an electrically conductive layer on the surface. Among them, the artificial polymer fiber can be a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber, and the electrically conductive layer on the surface can be an electrically conductive layer formed by an electrically conductive polymer or a metal. On the one hand, the electrically conductive fiber can be directly used as the first electrode, avoiding the process of additionally preparing the first electrode; on the other hand, the first electrode on the electrically conductive fiber is a common first electrode, which can be directly connected to the power supply as a whole when in use to electrify the common first electrode.

[0060] In one specific example, before forming the light-emitting functional layer 120, a step of treating the base fiber 110 with ozone is further included. Ozone or oxygen plasma treatment can improve the wettability of the base fiber 110 to facilitate subsequent dip-coating of the functional layer solution.

[0061] Among them, it can be understood that the light-emitting functional layer 120 on the pixelated light-emitting fiber 100 is an electroluminescent light-emitting functional layer 120. The light-emitting functional layer 120 surrounds and covers the base fiber 110, and the light-emitting functional layer 120 is electrically connected to the first electrode on the base fiber 110 to facilitate electrification to make the light-emitting functional layer 120 emit light.

[0062] Among them, the method for preparing the light-emitting functional layer 120 can be selected from dip-coating. Dip-coating is mainly used to form a material layer surrounding and covering the base fiber 110. The material layer prepared by dip-coating is a complete film layer, and it is difficult to form a gap between the film layers. Dip-coating generally specifically includes the following steps: immersing the base fiber 110 into a solution containing the material to be prepared, and then pulling it out once or more times and then performing annealing treatment.

[0063] Further, the light-emitting functional layer 120 includes a plurality of material layers, and each material layer of the light-emitting functional layer 120 is prepared by dip-coating in sequence when the light-emitting functional layer 120 is prepared by dip-coating.

[0064] Specifically, referring to Figure 2 The light-emitting functional layer 120 specifically can include an electroluminescent material layer 123, which is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode 140. Optionally, the electroluminescent material layer 123 is a quantum dot light-emitting layer or an organic light-emitting layer. The specific method for preparing the electroluminescent layer is dip-coating. Specifically, the method for preparing the electroluminescent material layer 123 includes: immersing the base fiber 110 into a solution containing an electroluminescent material, then pulling it out and then performing annealing treatment.

[0065] Further, the light-emitting functional layer 120 can also include a hole functional material layer and an electron functional material layer. The hole functional material layer can further include a hole injection layer 121 and a hole transport layer 122, and the electron functional material layer includes an electron injection layer 124. The hole injection layer 121, the hole transport layer 122 and the electron injection layer 124 can also be prepared by the dip-coating method. For example, the preparation method of the hole injection layer 121 includes: immersing the base fiber 110 into a solution containing hole injection material, then drawing it up and performing annealing treatment; the preparation process of other material layers by dip-coating is the same.

[0066] In the embodiment, the first electrode is the anode and the second electrode 140 is the cathode. Before the light-emitting functional layer 120 is formed, the ozone treatment of the base fiber 110 can improve the work function of the first electrode, so that the hole is more easily injected into the device. The hole injection layer 121 and the hole transport layer 122 are arranged between the anode and the electroluminescent material layer 123, wherein the hole injection layer 121 is closer to the anode and the hole transport layer 122 is closer to the electroluminescent material layer 123. The electron injection layer 124 is arranged between the cathode and the electroluminescent material layer 123, wherein the electron injection layer 124 is closer to the cathode and the electron transport layer is closer to the electroluminescent material layer 123.

[0067] In the embodiment, the light-emitting functional layer 120 has poor lateral conductivity, so that even if the light-emitting functional layer 120 is not pixelated, only the second electrode 140 is pixelated, an addressable display fabric can be obtained.

[0068] In step S2, a plurality of insulating barrier layers 130 surrounding the light-emitting functional layer 120 are formed on the light-emitting functional layer 120, and the adjacent barrier layers 130 are arranged with a spacing.

[0069] The barrier layer 130 is mainly used to divide the area of each second electrode 140 formed subsequently, and also has the function of protecting the light-emitting functional layer 120 located below the barrier layer 130.

[0070] In one specific example, each barrier layer 130 is periodically formed on the light-emitting functional layer 120; specifically, the width of each barrier layer 130 is the same, and the spacing between each adjacent barrier layer 130 is also the same.

[0071] In one specific example, the distance between adjacent barrier layers 130 is 50 μm to 300 μm. Further, the distance between adjacent barrier layers 130 is 100 μm to 200 μm, for example, the distance between adjacent barrier layers 130 is 160 μm. The width of each barrier layer 130 can be 20 μm to 200 μm, further, the width of each barrier layer 130 is 40 μm to 120 μm, for example, the width of each barrier layer 130 is 80 μm.

[0072] Step S3, forming a second electrode precursor 141 surrounding the light emitting functional layer 120 and the barrier layer 130.

[0073] In one specific example, the material of the second electrode precursor 141 is metal, for example, silver. The metal can be formed by evaporation, which simplifies the preparation process. It can be understood that the second electrode 140 should have the property of light transmission, so its thickness should be relatively thin, for example, the thickness of the second electrode 140 is ≤ 100 nm.

[0074] It can be understood that when the second electrode precursor 141 surrounding the light emitting functional layer 120 and the barrier layer 130 is formed, a mask is not used for shielding. Because the mask is not used, the second electrode precursor 141 prepared at this time is a complete film layer, which completely covers the light emitting functional layer 120, and there is no gap separating the second electrode precursor 141.

[0075] Step S4, forming a plurality of first barrier layers 210 surrounding the second electrode precursor 141 on the second electrode precursor 141, and exposing the second electrode precursor 141 covering the barrier layer 130 between adjacent first barrier layers 210.

[0076] Among them, the first barrier layer 210 is mainly used to shield the second electrode precursor 141 located below it, so as to expose part of the second electrode precursor 141 to be etched.

[0077] In one specific example, the gap between the first barrier layers 210 only exposes part of the second electrode precursor 141 covering the barrier layer 130, so as to leave another part of the second electrode precursor 141 on the barrier layer 130.

[0078] In one specific example, each first barrier layer 210 is periodically formed on the second electrode precursor 141. Specifically, the width of each first barrier layer 210 is the same, and the distance between each adjacent first barrier layer 210 is also the same; and the formation period of each first barrier layer 210 is the same as the formation period of each barrier layer 130. Among them, the formation period of the first barrier layer 210 refers to the sum of the width of a certain first barrier layer 210 and the distance between the first barrier layer 210 after it.

[0079] In one specific example, the interval between adjacent first barrier layers 210 is 20-200 μm. Further, the interval between adjacent first barrier layers 210 is 20-100 μm, for example, the interval between adjacent first barrier layers 210 is 40 μm. The width of each first barrier layer 210 can be 50-300 μm, further, the width of each first barrier layer 210 is 100-300 μm, for example, the width of each first barrier layer 210 is 200 μm.

[0080] In step S5, the second electrode precursor 141 between adjacent first barrier layers 210 is removed under the blocking of the first barrier layers 210, forming a plurality of spaced second electrodes 140.

[0081] In one specific example, the second electrode precursor 141 between adjacent first barrier layers 210 is etched until the barrier layer 130 is exposed under the blocking of the first barrier layers 210, forming a spacing on the originally complete second electrode precursor 141, and further forming a pixelated second electrode 140.

[0082] In one specific example, the second electrode precursor 141 between adjacent first barrier layers 210 is etched until the barrier layer 130 is exposed under the blocking of the first barrier layers 210, forming a spacing on the originally complete second electrode precursor 141, and further forming a pixelated second electrode 140.

[0083] In one specific example, the second electrode precursor 141 between adjacent first barrier layers 210 is etched until the barrier layer 130 is exposed under the blocking of the first barrier layers 210, forming a spacing on the originally complete second electrode precursor 141, and further forming a pixelated second electrode 140.

[0084] Further, the etching liquid is selected from an acidic etching liquid with water as solvent. The solvent in the acidic etching liquid should be selected according to the material of the second electrode precursor 141. For example, the material of the second electrode precursor 141 is silver, then the acidic etching liquid should be selected from an etching liquid containing a strong oxidizing acid, for example, nitric acid.

[0085] The high-molecular material of the barrier layer 130 is in solid state, and it is difficult to be directly prepared on the light-emitting functional layer 120. Therefore, the curable glue is selected to prepare the barrier layer 130. Specifically, the step of forming the plurality of insulating barrier layers 130 arranged at intervals on the light-emitting functional layer 120 specifically includes: coating the liquid curable glue on the light-emitting functional layer 120 at intervals, and curing the curable glue to form the plurality of barrier layers 130 arranged at intervals.

[0086] In one specific example, the curable glue is specifically selected from a thermosetting glue or a photocurable glue. For example, the curable glue is selected from a thermosetting glue, and specifically selected from a polystyrene precursor, a polyethylene precursor, and a polycarbonate precursor which are crosslinked by heating.

[0087] In one specific example, the step of forming the plurality of first barrier layers 210 surrounding the second electrode precursor 141 specifically includes: coating a solution in which the material of the first barrier layer 210 is dissolved on the second electrode precursor 141 at a predetermined position, and removing the solvent in the solution to make the material of the first barrier layer 210 solidify on the second electrode precursor 141. In one specific example, the baking method is used to remove the solvent in the solution.

[0088] In one specific example, the material of the first barrier layer 210 is selected from one or more of polymethyl methacrylate, polymethyl glutarimide, polystyrene, and phenolic resin. Further, the weight average molecular weight of the material of the first barrier layer 210 is 5000-20000, for example, the molecular weight of the polymethyl methacrylate is 10000. After the first barrier layer 210 is formed, the organic solvent can be used to dissolve and remove it. The specific organic solvent can be benzene or a homolog of benzene.

[0089] In one specific example, after etching the second electrode precursor 141 and before removing the first barrier layer 210, the step of cleaning the residual etching liquid and drying is further included. Optionally, isopropyl alcohol is used to clean the residual etching liquid.

[0090] The method for preparing the pixelated light-emitting fiber further includes:

[0091] Step S6, forming a patterned encapsulation layer 150 covering each second electrode 140 and each barrier layer 130, and exposing part of the second electrode 140;

[0092] Step S7, forming an external electrode 160 electrically connected to the second electrode 140 on the second electrode 140 exposed by the encapsulation layer 150.

[0093] Further, please refer to Figure 1 Step S6 specifically includes steps S61-S63.

[0094] Step S61, forming an encapsulation precursor 151 covering each second electrode 140 and each barrier layer 130.

[0095] The encapsulation precursor 151 formed is a complete film layer without gaps. The specific method of forming the encapsulation precursor 151 can be atomic layer deposition.

[0096] The specific material of the encapsulation precursor 151 can be selected from common encapsulation materials in the art, for example, ceramic materials. Specifically, the material of the encapsulation precursor 151 can be one or more of alumina, silica, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. Further, the thickness of the encapsulation precursor 151 formed is 50 nm to 500 nm.

[0097] Step S62, forming a second barrier layer 220 covering part of the encapsulation precursor 151 on the encapsulation precursor 151, the second barrier layer 220 having gaps exposing part of the encapsulation precursor 151 on each second electrode 140.

[0098] In one specific example, the material of the second barrier layer 220 can be the same as that of the first barrier layer 210, and the specific method of forming the second barrier layer 220 can also be the same as that of forming the first barrier layer 210.

[0099] Step S63, etching part of the encapsulation precursor 151 not covered by the second barrier layer 220 to form an encapsulation layer 150 exposing part of each second electrode 140, and removing the second barrier layer 220.

[0100] In one specific example, etching the encapsulation precursor 151 can use a substance that can react with the encapsulation precursor 151 but not with the second barrier layer 220. For example, if the material of the encapsulation precursor 151 is selected from alumina, hydrochloric acid can be used for etching; if the material of the encapsulation precursor 151 is selected from one of silica, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride, hydrofluoric acid can be used for etching.

[0101] In one specific example, after etching the encapsulation precursor 151 and before removing the second barrier layer 220, a step of cleaning residual etching substances and drying is further included. Optionally, isopropyl alcohol is used to clean the residual etching liquid.

[0102] Through the above steps S61-S63, the barrier layer exposing part of the second electrode 140 can be completed. The exposed second electrode 140 can be used for electrical contact with an external electrode to energize the prepared pixelated light-emitting fiber.

[0103] Further, a step S7 is included, which is mainly to prepare an external electrode 160 electrically connected to the second electrode 140 exposed, and the external electrode can be electrically contacted to the second electrode 140 through the external electrode 160, and the additional external electrode 160 can avoid the situation of poor lap.

[0104] The application also provides a pixelated light emitting fiber 100. Referring to Figure 3 which comprises a base fiber 110 with a first electrode on the surface, a light emitting functional layer 120, a plurality of barrier layers 130 arranged at intervals, and a plurality of second electrodes 140 arranged at intervals.

[0105] The light emitting functional layer 120 surrounds the base fiber 110;

[0106] Each barrier layer 130 surrounds the light emitting functional layer 120, and part of the light emitting functional layer 120 is exposed between two adjacent barrier layers 130;

[0107] The second electrode 140 surrounds the light emitting functional layer 120 between adjacent barrier layers 130, and the interval between two adjacent second electrodes 140 is located on the barrier layer 130 between the two second electrodes 140.

[0108] Further, the interval between two adjacent second electrodes 140 can only expose part of the barrier layer 130, for example, the second electrode 140 surrounds the light emitting functional layer 120 between adjacent barrier layers 130, and also extends to the barrier layers 130 on both sides of the light emitting functional layer 120.

[0109] Wherein, the base fiber 110 is a long strip-shaped fiber, specifically, the length is ≥1cm; further, the length of the base fiber 110 is ≤1000cm. The base fiber 110 can be linear or curved. The cross section of the base fiber 110 is not particularly limited, for example, it can be circular, oval, rectangular or trapezoidal.

[0110] In one specific example, the radial width of the base fiber 110 is 5μm-1000μm, further, the radial width of the base fiber 110 is 5μm, 10μm, 20μm, 50μm, 100μm, 500μm, 1000μm or a range between each of the above radial widths.

[0111] In one specific example, the material of the barrier layer 130 is selected from hydrophobic polymer materials. Specifically, the material of the barrier layer 130 is selected from polystyrene, polyethylene and polycarbonate formed after heat crosslinking.

[0112] In one specific example, the second electrode 140 is a metal material. Optionally, the second electrode 140 is silver. Further, the thickness of the second electrode 140 is ≤ 100 nm to facilitate the light transmittance of the second electrode 140.

[0113] In one specific example, the light-emitting functional layer 120 comprises an organic light-emitting layer or a quantum dot light-emitting layer. Further, the light-emitting functional layer 120 can further comprise a hole functional material layer and an electron functional material layer. The hole functional material layer can further comprise a hole injection layer 121 and a hole transport layer 122, and the electron functional material layer comprises an electron injection layer 124 and an electron transport layer. One of the first electrode and the second electrode 140 is an anode, and the other is a cathode. The hole injection layer 121 and the hole transport layer 122 are disposed between the anode and the electroluminescent material layer 123, wherein the hole injection layer 121 is closer to the anode, and the hole transport layer 122 is closer to the electroluminescent material layer 123. The electron injection layer 124 and the electron transport layer are disposed between the cathode and the electroluminescent material layer 123, wherein the electron injection layer 124 is closer to the cathode, and the electron transport layer is closer to the electroluminescent material layer 123.

[0114] In one specific example, the pixelated light-emitting fiber 100 further comprises an encapsulation layer 150 disposed on the second electrode 140 and the barrier layer 130, and the encapsulation layer 150 has a gap exposing each of the second electrode 140. Further, the pixelated light-emitting fiber 100 further comprises a plurality of external electrodes 160, each of which is respectively electrically connected to each of the second electrode 140 exposed in the encapsulation layer 150.

[0115] In one specific example, the pixelated light-emitting fiber 100 is prepared according to the preparation method described above.

[0116] Further, the present application also provides a display fabric prepared from a fiber material comprising the pixelated light-emitting fiber 100 according to the above embodiments or the pixelated light-emitting fiber 100 prepared from the pixelated light-emitting fiber 100 according to the above embodiments.

[0117] Specifically, reference can be made to Figure 4The display fabric comprises first fibers extending along a first direction and second fibers extending along a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction, the first fibers comprising a plurality of pixelated light-emitting fibers 100 and a plurality of barrier fibers 300 arranged alternately and side by side, i.e. a barrier fiber 300 is arranged between adjacent pixelated light-emitting fibers 100. It is understood that, in order to realize the display function, the pixelated light-emitting fibers 100 comprise pixelated red light-emitting fibers, pixelated green light-emitting fibers and pixelated blue light-emitting fibers, and the pixelated red light-emitting fibers, the pixelated green light-emitting fibers and the pixelated blue light-emitting fibers are arranged periodically. The main difference between the pixelated red light-emitting fibers, the pixelated green light-emitting fibers and the pixelated blue light-emitting fibers lies in the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting functional layer. The second fibers comprise a plurality of support fibers 400 and a plurality of conductive fibers 500 arranged alternately and side by side. The display fabric is woven from the first fibers and the second fibers, and the weaving manner can be that each first fiber is interwoven with each second fiber by being inserted into the second fibers one above the other, and each second fiber is interwoven with each first fiber by being inserted into the first fibers, wherein each conductive fiber is electrically connected to the second electrode in each pixelated light-emitting fiber.

[0118] In one specific example, the first direction is the warp direction, the second direction is the weft direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the weaving structure of each fiber in the first direction and each fiber in the second direction is plain weave.

[0119] In one specific example, the pixelated light-emitting fiber 100 comprises an external electrode 160 electrically connected to the second electrode 140, and each conductive fiber 500 is electrically connected to the second electrode 140 in each pixelated light-emitting fiber 100 through the external electrode 160.

[0120] Optionally, the barrier fibers 300 and the support fibers 400 are insulating fibers, such as PET fibers.

[0121] Since each light-emitting fiber therein realizes pixelation of the second electrode, the display fabric woven from the light-emitting fibers can realize addressable display.

[0122] In order to facilitate understanding and implementation of the present application, the present application further provides a specific preparation process of the pixelated light-emitting fiber as a reference.

[0123] Unless otherwise specified, the raw materials used in the following examples can be commonly purchased on the market.

[0124] Step 1: Provide a PET fiber coated with a conductive polymer layer as a base fiber, and treat the PET fiber with ozone for 2 min. The diameter of the PET fiber is 100 μm, and the cross section is circular.

[0125] Step 2: draw the PET fiber twice in a solution containing a hole injection layer material at a speed of 3 cm / min, and anneal at 120℃ for 1 h to prepare a complete hole injection layer surrounding the base fiber on the base fiber; wherein the material of the hole injection layer is PEDOT:PSS, and the solution specifically consists of PEDOT:PSS, deionized water and ethylene glycol, and the mass ratio of the three is 8:1.5:0.5.

[0126] Step 3: draw the PET fiber once in a solution containing a hole transport layer material at a speed of 2 cm / min, and anneal at 120℃ for 1 h to prepare a complete hole transport layer surrounding the base fiber on the base fiber; wherein the material of the hole transport layer is TFB, and the solution specifically is a TFB / chlorobenzene solution with a mass concentration of 8 mg / mL.

[0127] Step 4: draw the PET fiber once in a solution containing a quantum dot light-emitting layer material at a speed of 4 cm / min, and anneal at 120℃ for 0.5 h to prepare a complete quantum dot light-emitting layer surrounding the base fiber on the base fiber; wherein the material of the quantum dot light-emitting layer is CdSe, and the solution specifically is a CdSe / n-octane solution with a mass concentration of 10 mg / mL.

[0128] Step 5: draw the PET fiber twice in a solution containing an electron transport layer material at a speed of 6 cm / min, and anneal at 100℃ for 0.5 h to prepare a complete electron transport layer surrounding the base fiber on the base fiber; wherein the material of the electron transport layer is magnesium-doped zinc oxide, and the solution specifically is a magnesium-doped zinc oxide / ethanol solution with a mass concentration of 30 mg / mL.

[0129] Step 6: coat a heat-crosslinking polystyrene precursor surrounding the electron transport layer on the PET fiber at an interval of 160 μm and a width of 80 μm, and bake at 100℃ for 0.5 h to cure it to form a barrier layer.

[0130] Step 7: evaporate silver to form a second electrode precursor surrounding the PET fiber on the whole side of the PET fiber in a vacuum, and the deposition thickness is about 30 cm.

[0131] Step 8: coat a plurality of toluene solutions containing short-chain PMMA with a weight average molecular weight of 10000 on the surface of the two-electrode precursor at intervals to form a plurality of first barrier layers spaced apart, and bake at 80℃ for 10 min to remove toluene so that the short-chain PMMA is cured; the interval between each first barrier layer is 40 μm, the width of each first barrier layer is 200 μm, and the interval between adjacent first barrier layers is above the barrier layer.

[0132] Step 9: The two-electrode precursor between the adjacent first barrier layers is removed by using an etching solution including phosphoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid and methanol with a mass ratio of 3:3:20:1, and then isopropanol (IPA) is used for immersion washing.

[0133] Step 10: The short-chain PMMA is dissolved by immersing in toluene, and is baked at 100°C for 1 h.

[0134] Step 11: An atomic layer deposition device is used to manufacture an aluminum oxide encapsulation precursor with a thickness of 100 nm, which entirely surrounds each second electrode and each barrier layer.

[0135] Step 12: A toluene solution of short-chain PMMA with a weight average molecular weight of 10000 and a width of 200 μm is coated on the encapsulation precursor with a spacing of 40 μm, and is baked at 80°C for 10 min to remove toluene and solidify the short-chain PMMA to form a second barrier layer with spacing on the second barrier layer located on the overlap portion of each second electrode.

[0136] Step 13: The encapsulation precursor between the second barrier layers is removed by pulling once in a HCl (0.001 mol / L) solution at a speed of 10 cm / min.

[0137] Step 14: After immersion washing and drying with isopropanol, the short-chain PMMA is dissolved by immersing in toluene to remove the second barrier layer, and is baked at 100°C for 1 h.

[0138] Through the above preparation process, the pixelated light-emitting fiber can be prepared. It can be understood that the specific light-emitting color of the pixelated light-emitting fiber depends on the specific design of the light-emitting functional layer therein. Specifically, the pixelated red light-emitting fiber can be prepared by using a light-emitting functional layer emitting red light, the pixelated green light-emitting fiber can be prepared by using a light-emitting functional layer emitting green light, and the pixelated blue light-emitting fiber can be prepared by using a light-emitting functional layer emitting blue light.

[0139] Further, the pixelated light-emitting fibers of red, green and blue colors can be arranged in a radial direction in turn and periodically, and are separated by PET insulating fibers with a diameter of 10 μm; and conductive fibers with a diameter of 30 μm are used and are repeatedly woven along the weft direction to make the conductive fibers overlap on the cathode, and then the conductive fibers and the light-emitting fibers are bound and fixed at the overlapping position, and the two ends of the conductive fibers and the light-emitting fibers are connected to a driving circuit. Since each light-emitting fiber therein realizes the pixelation of the second electrode, the display fabric woven by the light-emitting fibers can realize addressable display.

[0140] It will be appreciated that the display resolution of the display fabric can be customised by adjusting the weave density of the fibres. In other embodiments, the range of resolutions available for the display fabric can be further broadened by employing pixelated light-emitting fibres of different sizes.

[0141] Any technical features in the above embodiments can be combined, and for the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations are described, however, any combination of the technical features is considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0142] The above embodiments only express several implementation manners of the present application, and the description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as a limitation on the patent scope of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary skilled persons in the art, a number of modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present patent should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of making a pixelated light emitting fiber, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: providing a base fiber with a first electrode on a surface thereof; forming a light-emitting functional layer around the base fiber; forming a plurality of insulating barrier layers around the light-emitting functional layer, with adjacent barrier layers being spaced apart; forming a second electrode precursor around the light-emitting functional layer and the barrier layers; forming a plurality of first barrier layers around the second electrode precursor, with adjacent first barrier layers exposing the second electrode precursor covering the barrier layers; removing the second electrode precursor between adjacent first barrier layers to form a plurality of spaced-apart second electrodes.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein The second electrode precursor between adjacent first barrier layers is removed by etching.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further comprises: When removing the second electrode precursor between adjacent first barrier layers, an etching solution with water and / or alcohol as a solvent is used for etching, and the materials of the barrier layers and the first barrier layers are both polymer materials.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the method further comprises: The step of forming a plurality of first barrier layers specifically comprises: applying a solution with a first barrier layer material dissolved therein around a predetermined position on the second electrode precursor, and removing the solvent in the solution to solidify the first barrier layer material on the second electrode precursor.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the method further comprises: The first barrier layer material is selected from one or more of polymethyl methacrylate, polymethyl glutarimide, polystyrene, and phenolic resin; and / or In the process of forming the second electrode precursor, a metal is deposited by evaporation to form the second electrode precursor, and when removing the second electrode precursor between adjacent first barrier layers, the etching solution is an acidic etching solution.

6. The method of claim 1-5, wherein The light-emitting functional layer is formed by dip coating; and / or The step of forming a plurality of barrier layers specifically comprises: applying liquid solidifiable glue around the light-emitting functional layer at intervals, and solidifying the solidifiable glue to form a plurality of spaced-apart barrier layers.

7. A method of producing a pixelated light emitting fiber according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, After the first barrier layers are removed, the following steps are further included: forming an encapsulation layer covering each second electrode and each barrier layer, and exposing part of the second electrodes; forming external electrodes electrically connected to the second electrodes on the second electrodes exposed by the encapsulation layer.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises, The step of preparing the encapsulation layer specifically comprises: forming an encapsulation precursor around each second electrode and each barrier layer as a whole; forming a second barrier layer covering part of the encapsulation precursor on the encapsulation precursor, the second barrier layer having gaps exposing part of the encapsulation precursor on each second electrode; etching part of the encapsulation precursor not covered by the second barrier layer to expose part of each second electrode; removing the second barrier layer.

9. A pixelated light emitting fiber, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: a base fiber with a first electrode on a surface thereof, a light-emitting functional layer, a plurality of spaced-apart barrier layers, and a plurality of spaced-apart second electrodes; the light-emitting functional layer around the base fiber; Each of the barrier layers surrounds the light-emitting functional layer, and part of the light-emitting functional layer is exposed between two adjacent barrier layers; The second electrode surrounds the light-emitting functional layer between two adjacent barrier layers and also extends to the barrier layers on both sides of the light-emitting functional layer, and the interval between two adjacent second electrodes is located on the barrier layers.

10. The pixelated light emitting fiber of claim 9, wherein, The base fiber is in a strip shape, and the cross section of the base fiber is circular, oval, rectangular or trapezoidal, and the radial width of the base fiber is 5-1000 μm.

11. The pixelated light emitting fiber of claim 9, wherein, The material of the barrier layer is selected from hydrophobic polymer materials; and / or The second electrode is a metal material; and / or The light-emitting functional layer comprises an organic light-emitting layer or a quantum dot light-emitting layer.

12. The pixelated light emitting fiber according to any of claims 9-11, characterized in that, An encapsulation layer is further included, which surrounds each second electrode and each barrier layer and exposes part of the second electrode, and an external electrode is arranged on the second electrode exposed by the encapsulation layer, and the external electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode.

13. A display fabric characterized by, The pixelated light-emitting fiber is prepared by a preparation method according to any one of claims 1-8, or comprises the pixelated light-emitting fiber according to any one of claims 9-12.

14. The display fabric of claim 13, wherein, Barrier fibers, conductive fibers and support fibers are further included, the pixelated light-emitting fibers and the barrier fibers extend along a first direction and are alternately and spacedly arranged side by side, the conductive fibers and the support fibers extend along a second direction and are alternately and spacedly arranged side by side, the first direction intersects the second direction, the pixelated light-emitting fibers and the barrier fibers are first fibers, the conductive fibers and the support fibers are second fibers, the first fibers are interwoven between the second fibers, the second fibers are interwoven between the first fibers, and each conductive fiber is electrically connected to a second electrode in each pixelated light-emitting fiber.

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