Flexible Substrate Hydrophobic Layer Moisture Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible organic light-emitting diode (FOLED) display substrates face challenges with moisture infiltration due to their weak barrier properties, leading to short service life and low reliability.
Innovation Solution
A flexible substrate is developed with a stacked structure of first and second flexible layers, optionally including inorganic and organic layers, and a hydrophobic layer formed on at least one side, which can be a monomolecular layer or made of materials like polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone resin, or fluorosilicone resin, to enhance water-blocking properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible substrate is used for FOLED display, then flexibility and deformability are achieved, but moisture barrier performance deteriorates leading to short service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by stacking multiple flexible layers (including polyimide layers and inorganic barrier layers such as silicon oxide or aluminum oxide) to create a flexible substrate with enhanced moisture barrier performance. This composite structure maintains flexibility while providing effective protection against moisture infiltration, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and moisture barrier performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nesting principle by creating a multi-layer stacked structure where different materials are arranged in sequence - organic flexible layers are nested with inorganic barrier layers, and hydrophobic layers are added on the outer surfaces. This nested arrangement allows each layer to contribute its specific properties, achieving both flexibility and moisture resistance.
2Reliability
If packaging is applied to protect OLED from moisture, then reliability improves, but flexibility and deformability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible shells and thin films by employing thin flexible layers (such as polyimide and inorganic barrier layers) that can be stacked to provide moisture protection while maintaining flexibility. These thin film structures differ from traditional rigid packaging by being inherently flexible, allowing the display to deform while still providing effective moisture barrier performance.
3Reliability
If multiple layers are stacked to improve moisture barrier, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flexible substrate into distinct functional layers - organic flexible layers, inorganic barrier layers, and hydrophobic layers. Each layer serves a specific function, allowing for optimized performance while maintaining a manageable structure. This segmented approach enables systematic design and manufacturing of the multi-layer substrate.
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 hydrophobic layer effectively prevents moisture infiltration, extending the service life and improving the reliability of the FOLED display substrate by blocking water and maintaining the flexibility and structural integrity of the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic layer disposed on at least one side of at least one of the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible substrate and a manufacture method thereof, and a flexible organic light-emitting diode display substrate. The flexible substrate comprises a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer stacked with each other and a hydrophobic layer on at least one side of at least one of the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer.