Covering layer for display device and display device including the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover layer for a display device and a display device including the same. A cover layer for a display device includes: a first layer forming a substrate; a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer including a random silsesquioxane including an ether functional group; and a third layer disposed on the second layer. The third layer includes a random silsesquioxane including a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group and a cage-type silsesquioxane including a fluorine-based ether functional group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a cover layer for a display device and a display device including the cover layer. Background Art

[0002] With the development of information technology, the importance of display devices as a connection medium between users and information has increased.

[0003] A structure for improving external visibility in a display device is desired. For example, it is desired to control external light reflectivity to improve external visibility.

[0004] Display devices are applicable to various product groups. Accordingly, display devices having excellent characteristics in various performances such as flexibility are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments provide a cover layer and a display device including the cover layer, in which external light reflectivity is controlled so that external visibility is improved.

[0006] Embodiments also provide a cover layer having excellent mechanical characteristics and flexibility and a display device including the cover layer.

[0007] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a covering layer for a display device is provided, the covering layer comprising: a first layer forming a substrate; a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer comprising a random silsesquioxane comprising an ether functional group; and a third layer disposed on the second layer, the third layer comprising a random silsesquioxane comprising a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group and a cage-type silsesquioxane comprising a fluorine-based ether functional group.

[0008] The first layer may include poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET).

[0009] The ether functional groups of the second layer may include an ether group containing three carbon atoms (C3OH7), an ether group containing five carbon atoms (C5OH 11 ) or an ether group comprising four carbons (C4OH9).

[0010] The fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group of the third layer may include CF2CF2CF2CF3, CF2CF2CF3 or CF2CF2CF2CF2CF3.

[0011] The fluorine-based ether functional groups of the third layer may include CF2OCF2CF2CF3, CF2CF2OCF2CF3, CF2OCF2CF3, CF2OCF2CF2CF2CF3, or CF2CF2OCF2CF2CF3.

[0012] The thickness of the first layer may be in the range of about 30 μm to about 95 μm.

[0013] The thickness of the second layer may be in the range of about 1 μm to about 10 μm.

[0014] The thickness of the third layer may be in the range of about 50 nm to about 150 nm.

[0015] One surface of the second layer may be in contact with the first layer, and the other surface of the second layer may be in contact with the third layer.

[0016] The cover layer may have a reflectivity of about 1.4% to about 1.6% with respect to 550 nm light.

[0017] The refractive index of the third layer with respect to a wavelength of 550 nm may be in the range of 1.36 to 1.41.

[0018] The nanoindentation hardness of the cover layer may be in the range of 1.52 GPa to 1.73 GPa.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, which includes: a light-emitting element layer including a light-emitting element configured to emit light; and a covering layer on the light-emitting element layer, wherein the covering layer includes: a first layer forming a substrate; a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer including a random silsesquioxane containing an ether functional group; and a third layer disposed on the second layer, the third layer including a random silsesquioxane containing a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group and a cage-type silsesquioxane containing a fluorine-based ether functional group.

[0020] The first layer may include poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The ether functional groups of the second layer may include ether groups containing three carbons (C3OH7), ether groups containing five carbons (C5OH 11 ) or an ether group including four carbon atoms (C4OH9). The fluorinated perfluoroalkyl functional group of the third layer may include CF2CF2CF2CF3, CF2CF2CF3, or CF2CF2CF2CF2CF3. The fluorinated ether functional group of the third layer may include CF2OCF2CF2CF3, CF2CF2OCF2CF3, CF2OCF2CF3, CF2OCF2CF2CF3, CF2OCF2CF2CF3, or CF2CF2OCF2CF2CF3.

[0021] The first layer may have a thickness in the range of about 30 μm to about 95 μm, the second layer may have a thickness in the range of about 1 μm to about 10 μm, and the third layer may have a thickness in the range of about 50 nm to about 150 nm.

[0022] The third layer may be the uppermost layer of the display device.

[0023] The display device may be a flexible display device.

[0024] The random type silsesquioxane included in the second layer may include twelve ether functional groups in one molecule.

[0025] The random type silsesquioxane included in the third layer may include twelve fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional groups in one molecule.

[0026] The cage silsesquioxane included in the third layer may include six fluorine-based ether functional groups in one molecule. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, example embodiments may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, it can be the only element between the two elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a cover layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 To illustrate the chemical formula of the material included in the second layer.

[0033] Figure 5 1 is to illustrate the chemical formula of the first material included in the third layer.

[0034] Figure 6 is to illustrate the chemical formula of the second material included in the third layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure is applicable to various variations and different shapes, and the description herein is detailed with specific examples. However, the examples are not limited to specific shapes, but are applicable to all suitable variations, equivalent materials, and alternatives. The included drawings are illustrated in a manner that the drawings are expanded for better understanding.

[0036] It will be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, the "first" element discussed below may also be referred to as the "second" element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular is intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes" and / or "including" indicate the presence of the recited features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence and / or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. Further, the statement that an element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate) is placed "on" or "above" another element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate) not only indicates the situation where the element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate) is "directly on" or "directly above" another element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate), but also indicates the situation where another element is inserted between an element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate) and another element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate). On the contrary, the statement that an element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate) is placed "under" or "beneath" another element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate) not only indicates the situation where the element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate) is "directly under" or "directly beneath" another element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate), but also indicates the situation where another element is inserted between the element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate) and another element (such as, for example, a layer, region, substrate or plate).

[0038] As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" include the stated value and include an appropriate range of deviation from the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity. For example, the term "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations of the stated value, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0039] The present disclosure generally relates to a cover layer for a display device and a display device including the cover layer. Hereinafter, a cover layer for a display device and a display device including the cover layer according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 The display device DD may include a base layer BSL and pixels PXL disposed on the base layer BSL. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the display device DD may further include a driving circuit (eg, a scan driver and a data driver) for driving the pixels PXL, lines, and pads.

[0042] The display device DD (or base layer BSL) may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may refer to an area other than the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may surround at least a portion of the display area DA.

[0043] In some embodiments, the display device DD may be a flexible display device. For example, the display device DD may be a bendable display device, a rollable display device, or a foldable display device.

[0044] In some embodiments, the display device DD may be formed to have a rectangular shape in plan view, the rectangular shape having short sides in a first direction DR1 and long sides in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. In some embodiments, the corner where the short sides in the first direction DR1 and the long sides in the second direction DR2 intersect each other may be formed so that the corner is rounded and has a predetermined curvature, or formed at a right angle. The shape of the display device DD in plan view is not limited to a quadrilateral shape (e.g., a rectangular shape), and the display device DD may be formed to have another polygonal shape or an arc shape in plan view (such as a circular shape or an elliptical shape). The display device DD may be formed flat, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may include a curved portion formed at its left or right end and having a constant curvature or a varying curvature. In some aspects, the display device DD may include a bendable panel layer that may be flexibly formed so that the display device DD can be warped, bent, folded, or rolled.

[0045] In the present disclosure, the first direction DR1 may be a horizontal direction serving as a row direction of pixels PXL. The second direction DR2 may be a column direction of pixels PXL. The third direction DR3 may be a display direction of the display device DD or a normal direction of a plane on which the base layer BSL is disposed.

[0046] In some embodiments, the display device DD may include a cover layer COL having excellent mechanical properties and flexibility (see Figure 2 ). Accordingly, the display device DD can be appropriately applied to a flexible display device.

[0047] The base layer BSL may form the base surface of the display device DD. The base layer BSL may be a rigid or flexible substrate or film. For example, the base layer BSL may be a rigid substrate formed of glass (e.g., tempered glass), a flexible substrate (or film) formed of a plastic or metal material, or at least one insulating layer. However, the material and / or properties of the base layer BSL are not particularly limited. In an embodiment, the base layer BSL may be substantially transparent. The term "substantially transparent" may mean that light can be transmitted with a certain transmittance or higher. As used herein, the term "substantially" means approximately or actually. In another embodiment, the base layer BSL may be translucent or opaque. In some embodiments, the base layer BSL may include a reflective material.

[0048] The display area DA may refer to an area in which pixels PXL are disposed. The non-display area NDA may refer to an area in which no pixels PXL are disposed. Driving circuits, lines, and pads connected to the pixels PXL in the display area DA may be disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the pixel PXL (or sub-pixel SPX) may be arranged in a stripe structure or Arrangement structure, etc. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various embodiments can be applied in the present disclosure.

[0050] According to an embodiment, a pixel PXL (or subpixel SPX) may include a first subpixel SPX1, a second subpixel SPX2, and a third subpixel SPX3. Each of the first subpixel SPX1, the second subpixel SPX2, and the third subpixel SPX3 may be a subpixel. At least one first subpixel SPX1, at least one second subpixel SPX2, and at least one third subpixel SPX3 may form a pixel unit capable of emitting light of various colors.

[0051] For example, each of the first subpixel SPX1, the second subpixel SPX2, and the third subpixel SPX3 may emit light of a corresponding color. For example, the first subpixel SPX1 may be a red pixel that emits red (e.g., the first color) light, the second subpixel SPX2 may be a green pixel that emits green (e.g., the second color) light, and the third subpixel SPX3 may be a blue pixel that emits blue (e.g., the third color) light. According to an embodiment, the number of second subpixels SPX2 may be greater than the number of first subpixels SPX1 and the number of third subpixels SPX3. However, the colors, types, and / or numbers of the first subpixels SPX1, the second subpixels SPX2, and the third subpixels SPX3 that constitute each pixel unit are not limited to specific examples.

[0052] Figure 2Schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] refer to Figure 2 , the display device DD may include a pixel circuit layer PCL (eg, a backplane layer), a light emitting element layer LEL, and a cover layer COL.

[0054] The pixel circuit layer PCL may be a layer including a pixel circuit for driving the pixel PXL formed by the light emitting element layer LEL (or the light emitting element included in the light emitting element layer LEL). The pixel circuit layer PCL may include a base layer BSL (see Figure 1 ), a conductive layer for forming a pixel circuit and an insulating layer arranged on the conductive layer.

[0055] The light emitting element layer LEL may be disposed on the pixel circuit layer PCL. In some embodiments, the light emitting element layer LEL may include a light emitting element. In some embodiments, the light emitting element may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the light emitting element may include an inorganic light emitting element including an inorganic material. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the light emitting element layer LEL may include a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0056] The cover layer COL may be disposed on the light emitting element layer LEL. The cover layer COL may allow light emitted from the light emitting element layer LEL to be transmitted therethrough.

[0057] Will refer to Figures 3 to 6 The cover layer COL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0058] Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a cover layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 To illustrate the chemical formula of the material included in the second layer. Figure 5 1 is to illustrate the chemical formula of the first material included in the third layer. Figure 6 is to illustrate the chemical formula of the second material included in the third layer.

[0059] refer to Figures 3 to 6 , the cover layer COL may include a first layer L1, a second layer L2, and a third layer L3.

[0060] The first layer L1 may be a substrate for the cover layer COL. For example, the first layer L1 may form a base on which the second layer L2 is disposed. In some embodiments, the first layer L1 may be a film-type layer.

[0061] The first layer L1 may include an organic material. For example, the first layer L1 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first layer L1 may have a thickness of about 30 μm to about 95 μm. For example, the first layer L1 may have a thickness of about 65 μm. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0063] According to embodiments, the second layer L2 and the third layer L3 may include random silsesquioxanes having different functional groups, and the third layer L3 may further include a cage silsesquioxane containing a fluorine-based ether functional group. Accordingly, the cover layer COL can simultaneously meet various performance requirements of the display device DD in terms of external visibility and mechanical properties.

[0064] Random silsesquioxane is one of various structural examples of silsesquioxane. Random silsesquioxane is a siloxane material containing Si-O-Si bonds. Random silsesquioxane can be prepared based on a hydrolysis-condensation method of alkoxysilane or chlorosilane, etc. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0065] In random silsesquioxane, organic compounds and inorganic compounds can form a three-dimensional interconnected structure. Random silsesquioxane can be an organic-inorganic hybrid material in which organic compounds and inorganic compounds are combined at the molecular scale. Accordingly, random silsesquioxane can have the properties of an inorganic material and the properties of an organic material.

[0066] For example, random silsesquioxane may have relatively excellent flexibility and usability as characteristics of an organic material. In some aspects, random silsesquioxane may have relatively excellent heat resistance and hardness characteristics as characteristics of an inorganic material.

[0067] In some embodiments, because random silsesquioxane can have excellent flexibility, a display device DD including a cover layer COL can be applied to a flexible display device. Accordingly, even when the display device DD is implemented as a flexible display device, the described characteristics of the cover layer COL can reduce or prevent potential risks in the display device. For example, the aspects of the cover layer COL described herein can prevent or reduce risks of mechanical performance issues (such as cracks in the display device DD).

[0068] For example, the cover layer COL may have a crack strain of about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the cover layer COL may have a crack strain of about 12.5%. Crack strain is elongation, a property that indicates resistance to deformation. The crack strain of the cover layer COL can be measured using common equipment for measuring elongation.

[0069] Cage silsesquioxane is one example of various structures of silsesquioxane. Random silsesquioxane is a siloxane material containing Si-O-Si bonds. Cage silsesquioxane can have a three-dimensional structure. For example, cage silsesquioxane can have a polyhedral structure.

[0070] Cage silsesquioxane may have relatively excellent heat resistance and hardness properties. Accordingly, even when the display device DD is manufactured so that the display device DD has a curvature of approximately 1.5R (for example, even when the display device DD is manufactured to the extent that the display device DD surrounds a circle with a radius of approximately 1.5mm), the display device DD including random silsesquioxane and cage silsesquioxane may have folding reliability. The "R" in "1.5R" may mean "mm".

[0071] In an example where the display device DD is manufactured so that the display device DD has a curvature of approximately 1.5R, at room temperature (e.g., approximately 25°C), the display device DD can be folded 200,000 times or more. In an example where the display device DD is manufactured so that the display device DD has a curvature of 1.5R, at a temperature of approximately 60°C and a humidity of approximately 93%, the display device DD can be folded 130,000 times or more. In an example where the display device DD is manufactured so that the display device DD has a curvature of approximately 1.5R, at a temperature of approximately -25°C, the display device DD can be folded 30,000 times or more.

[0072] The second layer L2 may be disposed on the first layer L1. The second layer L2 may be disposed between the first layer L1 and the third layer L3. In some embodiments, the second layer L2 may be disposed directly on the first layer L1 (eg, in contact with the first layer L1).

[0073] The second layer L2 may include random silsesquioxane containing an ether functional group. The chemical formula of the random silsesquioxane containing an ether functional group is Figure 4 In the Figure 4 In the example, R may represent an ether group (e.g., C n OH 2n+1 ). For example, R may represent an ether group comprising three carbons (C3OH7). Alternatively, R may represent an ether group comprising five carbons (C5OH 11 ). Alternatively, R may represent an ether group comprising four carbons (C4OH9).

[0074] The random silsesquioxane containing an ether functional group according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include twelve ether functional groups in one molecule. The random silsesquioxane containing an ether functional group may include six reactive groups in one molecule. The reactive group may refer to a group that is expected to undergo a chemical reaction.

[0075] In some embodiments, the second layer L2 may be a hard coating layer. For example, because the second layer L2 includes a random silsesquioxane containing an ether functional group, the second layer L2 may have high hardness while also having relatively excellent flexibility. Specifically, because the second layer L2 includes a random silsesquioxane having excellent mechanical properties, the stretchability and wear resistance of the cover layer COL may be improved.

[0076] In some embodiments, since the second layer L2 includes the random-type silsesquioxane including an ether functional group, the second layer L2 may have excellent heat resistance.

[0077] In some embodiments, the second layer L2 may be formed by coating a random silsesquioxane on the first layer L1 to form the second layer L2. For example, the second layer L2 may be formed by wet coating on the first layer L1 and then polymerizing the second layer L2 by ultraviolet light. Since the second layer L2 is formed by wet coating, the second layer L2 may be formed flat.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second layer L2 may have a thickness in a range of about 1 μm to about 10 μm. For example, the second layer L2 may have a thickness of about 5 μm.

[0079] The third layer L3 may be disposed on the second layer L2. The third layer L3 may be the uppermost layer of the cover layer COL. The third layer L3 may be the uppermost layer of the display device DD. In some embodiments, the third layer L3 may be disposed directly on the second layer L2 (e.g., in contact with the second layer L2).

[0080] The third layer L3 may include random silsesquioxane including a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group (hereinafter, may be defined as a first material) and cage silsesquioxane including a fluorine-based ether functional group (hereinafter, may be defined as a second material).

[0081] In some embodiments, the third layer L3 may be formed of a first material and a second material mixed together. The third layer L3 may include the first material at a greater weight percentage than the second material relative to the entire third layer L3. For example, the weight percentage of the first material included in the third layer L3 may be greater than the weight percentage of the second material included in the third layer L3 relative to the entire third layer L3.

[0082] The weight percentage of the first material included in the third layer L3 may be approximately 70 wt % to approximately 90 wt % relative to the entire third layer L3. The weight percentage of the second material included in the third layer L3 may be approximately 10 wt % to approximately 30 wt % relative to the entire third layer L3. In some embodiments, the weight percentage of the first material in the third layer L3 may be approximately 80 wt %, and the weight percentage of the second material in the third layer L3 may be approximately 20 wt % relative to the entire third layer L3. In some embodiments, the weight percentage of the first material in the third layer L3 may be approximately 70 wt %, and the weight percentage of the second material in the third layer L3 may be approximately 30 wt % relative to the entire third layer L3. In some embodiments, the weight percentage of the first material in the third layer L3 may be approximately 90 wt %, and the weight percentage of the second material in the third layer L3 may be approximately 10 wt %.

[0083] Because the display device DD includes the first material and the second material in the numerical ranges described herein, the display device DD (or the cover layer COL) can have a relatively high hardness and high folding reliability. For example, the display device DD (or the cover layer COL) can have a nanoindentation hardness of approximately 1.52 GPa to approximately 1.73 GPa.

[0084] The chemical formula of random silsesquioxane containing fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional groups is Figure 5 In the Figure 5 In the example, Rf may represent a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group (e.g., C n F 2n+1 ). For example, Rf may include a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group containing four carbon atoms (CF2CF2CF2CF3). Alternatively, Rf may include a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group containing three carbon atoms (CF2CF2CF3). Alternatively, Rf may include a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group containing five carbon atoms (CF2CF2CF2CF2CF3).

[0085] The random silsesquioxane containing a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include twelve fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional groups in one molecule. The random silsesquioxane containing a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group may include six reactive groups in one molecule. The reactive group may refer to a group that is expected to undergo a chemical reaction.

[0086] The chemical formula of cage-type silsesquioxane containing fluorinated ether functional groups is Figure 6 In the Figure 6 In the example, Rb may represent a fluorinated ether functional group (e.g., C n OF 2n+1). For example, Rb may include a fluorine-like ether functional group (C4OF9) comprising four carbons (e.g., CF2OCF2CF2CF3 or CF2CF2OCF2CF3). Alternatively, Rb may include a fluorine-like ether functional group (CF2OCF2CF3) comprising three carbons. Alternatively, Rb may include a fluorine-like ether functional group (CF2OCF2CF2CF3) comprising five carbons (CF2OCF2CF2CF2CF3 or CF2CF2OCF2CF2CF3).

[0087] exist Figure 6 In the example, R may represent an ether functional group (e.g., C n OH 2n+1 ). For example, R may include an ether group containing three carbons (C3OH7). Alternatively, R may include an ether group containing five carbons (C5OH 11 ). Alternatively, R may include an ether group containing four carbons (C4OH9).

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cage-type silsesquioxane containing a fluorine-based ether functional group may include six fluorine-based ether functional groups in one molecule. The cage-type silsesquioxane containing a fluorine-based ether functional group may include three reactive groups in one molecule. The reactive group may refer to a group that is expected to undergo a chemical reaction.

[0089] In some embodiments, the third layer L3 may have a thickness in a range of about 50 nm to about 150 nm. The third layer L3 may have a thickness in a range of about 80 nm to about 120 nm. For example, the third layer L3 may have a thickness of about 100 nm.

[0090] In some embodiments, the third layer L3 may be a low refractive index layer. For example, the third layer L3 may have a lower refractive index than the second layer L2. In some embodiments, the refractive index of the third layer L3 relative to a wavelength of 550 nm may be in a range of about 1.36 to about 1.41. In some embodiments, the refractive index of the third layer L3 relative to a wavelength of 550 nm may be about 1.39. In some embodiments, the refractive index of the third layer L3 relative to a wavelength of 550 nm may be about 1.38.

[0091] In some embodiments, the third layer L3 may have reflective properties. For example, the reflectivity of the cover layer COL including the third layer L3 may be approximately 1.4% to approximately 1.6%. For example, the reflectivity of the cover layer COL including the third layer L3 may be approximately 1.42% and approximately 1.51%. The reflectivity of the cover layer COL including the third layer L3 may be specified for a thickness of the third layer L3 of approximately 100 nm and an applied light wavelength of 550 nm. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0092] Accordingly, the third layer L3 can have low reflectivity for external light, and the third layer L3 can reduce the external light reflectivity of the display device DD. Therefore, the risk of external visibility being impaired by external light can be reduced, and a display device DD with improved external visibility can be provided. Thus, the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be provided as a flexible display device while having high external visibility.

[0093] In some embodiments, the third layer L3 may be manufactured by deposition on the second layer L2. Since the random silsesquioxane included in the third layer L3 has excellent reactivity and each of the random silsesquioxane and the cage silsesquioxane included in the third layer L3 includes a carbon-containing functional group, the third layer may be efficiently manufactured by a vacuum deposition polymerization process.

[0094] In some embodiments, the third layer L3 may be an anti-fingerprint layer. In some embodiments, the top surface of the third layer L3 may be exposed. The top surface of the third layer L3 may include an area where a touch event may occur when the body (or body part, such as a finger) of the user of the display device DD comes into contact with it. According to an embodiment, the third layer L3 provided on the relatively upper side of the display device DD may include a silsesquioxane containing a fluorine-based functional group (e.g., a fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group and a fluorine-based ether functional group). Accordingly, the third layer L3 may have excellent wear resistance and friction resistance and serve as an anti-fingerprint layer. Therefore, in some embodiments, the display device DD may be implemented without any additional layer for implementing the anti-fingerprint layer, and the process cost may be reduced.

[0095] Thus, because the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cover layer COL including a second layer L2 containing random silsesquioxane and a third layer L3 containing random silsesquioxane with a fluorine-based functional group and a cage silsesquioxane, display quality and mechanical properties can be improved. Accordingly, a display device DD suitable for various flexible devices can be provided.

[0096] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there are provided a cover layer and a display device including the cover layer, in which external light reflectivity is controlled so that external visibility is improved.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover layer having excellent mechanical characteristics and flexibility and a display device including the cover layer are provided.

[0098] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing this application, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Accordingly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A cover layer for a display device, the cover layer comprising: forming a first layer of a substrate; a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer comprising a random silsesquioxane comprising an ether functional group; as well as a third layer disposed on the second layer, the third layer comprising: Random silsesquioxane containing fluorinated perfluoroalkyl functional groups; and A cage-type silsesquioxane containing a fluorinated ether functional group.

2. The cover layer of claim 1, wherein the first layer comprises poly(ethylene terephthalate).

3. The covering layer according to claim 1, wherein the ether functional groups of the second layer include an ether group C3OH7 including three carbon atoms, an ether group C5OH including five carbon atoms, 11 Or an ether group C4OH9 comprising four carbons. 4 . The covering layer according to claim 1 , wherein the fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional group of the third layer comprises CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 CF 3 , CF 2 CF 2 CF 3 , or CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 CF 3 . 5 . The covering layer according to claim 1 , wherein the fluorine-based ether functional group of the third layer comprises CF2OCF2CF2CF3, CF2CF2OCF2CF3, CF2OCF2CF3, CF2OCF2CF2CF2CF3 or CF2CF2OCF2CF2CF3.

6. The cover layer according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first layer is in the range of 30 μm to 95 μm, wherein the thickness of the second layer is in the range of 1 μm to 10 μm, wherein the thickness of the third layer is in the range of 50 nm to 150 nm, and in: One surface of the second layer is in contact with the first layer, and The other surface of the second layer is in contact with the third layer.

7. The cover layer according to claim 1, wherein the reflectivity of the cover layer with respect to light of 550 nm is 1.4% to 1.6%, wherein the refractive index of the third layer relative to a wavelength of 550 nm is in the range of 1.36 to 1.41, and The nanoindentation hardness of the cover layer is in the range of 1.52 GPa to 1.73 GPa.

8. A display device comprising: a light emitting element layer including light emitting elements configured to emit light; as well as The covering layer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is on the light emitting element layer.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the third layer is the uppermost layer of the display device, The display device is a flexible display device. wherein the random silsesquioxane included in the second layer includes twelve ether functional groups in one molecule, wherein the random silsesquioxane included in the third layer includes twelve fluorine-based perfluoroalkyl functional groups in one molecule, and The cage-type silsesquioxane included in the third layer includes six fluorine-based ether functional groups in one molecule.

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