Diamond-like Carbon Coating Thickness for Touch Panel Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch panel substrates face challenges in maintaining abrasion resistance and visual transparency due to the limitations of existing materials, particularly when exposed to external forces and light, leading to issues like yellowing and reduced adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A composite substrate structure is developed, featuring a transparent substrate with a diamond-like carbon layer of less than 15 nanometers thickness, optimized for adhesion and visual transparency, and optionally including a hydrophobic layer and adhesive or anti-reflection films to enhance scratch resistance, wear resistance, and optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a diamond-like carbon layer is applied to the transparent substrate to improve abrasion resistance, then wear resistance is improved, but visual transparency deteriorates due to yellowing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the thickness of the diamond-like carbon layer to be 5 nanometers or less, and adjusting the sp3 bond content to 20-80%. By changing these physical parameters, the coating provides sufficient abrasion resistance while maintaining visual transparency and minimizing yellowing effect that would occur with thicker layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by creating a diamond-like carbon layer with controlled sp3 bond content (20-80%) rather than using pure diamond structure. This composite approach combines the hardness and wear resistance of diamond-like structures with the optical transparency of amorphous carbon, achieving both protection and clarity.
2Strength
If the diamond-like carbon layer thickness is increased to improve wear resistance, then abrasion resistance is improved, but visual transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing an optimal thickness range of 5 nanometers or less for the diamond-like carbon layer. This precise parameter control ensures that the coating is thin enough to maintain visual transparency while still providing sufficient wear resistance for touch panel applications.
3Strength
If the sp3 bond content is increased to improve hardness and wear resistance, then abrasion resistance is improved, but adhesion to the substrate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the sp3 bond content to be within 20-80%, rather than using maximum sp3 content. This balanced parameter setting provides sufficient hardness and wear resistance while maintaining adequate adhesion to the transparent substrate, preventing coating delamination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite substrate structure achieves improved abrasion resistance, wear resistance, and visual transparency, preventing yellowing and maintaining a high coefficient of surface friction, thus optimizing the touch panel's performance and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a diamond-like carbon layer disposed on the transparent substrate. The diamond-like carbon layer has a thickness less than or equal to about 15 nanometers
Implementation Method 2
optionally incorporating a hydrophobic layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a composite substrate structure and a touch panel having composite substrate structure, for promoting abrasion resistance, visual transparency, and appearance. The composite substrate structure includes a transparent substrate and a diamond-like carbon layer. The diamond-like carbon layer is disposed on the transparent substrate and has a thickness less than or equal to about 15 nanometers.