Polyimide Film Coating Adhesion via Polyamic Acid Promoter

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Polyamide imide films lack adequate adhesion with hard coat formulations due to their solubility in polar, non-protic solvents, resulting in a poorly formed interface, which compromises the mechanical integrity and scratch resistance of polymer films used in display applications.

Innovation Solution

A coated film comprising a polyimide film, a curable resin coating composition with nanoparticles, and an adhesion-promoter based on polyamic acid composition is used, enhancing the interface between the polyimide film and the hard coat layer for improved adhesion and mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a hard coat formulation containing non-protic solvents is used on polyimide films, then the coating process is simplified, but the adhesion between the hard coat layer and polyimide film deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating process simplicityVSAvoidadhesion between hard coat layer and polyimide film
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a polyamic acid layer as an intermediary between the polyimide film and the hard coat layer. This intermediate layer contains carboxylic acid groups that form strong chemical bonds with both the polyimide substrate and the hard coat formulation, thereby resolving the adhesion problem while allowing the use of simplified non-protic solvent-based coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the interface by introducing a polyamic acid layer with specific functional groups (carboxylic acid) that have different bonding characteristics. This parameter change enables strong adhesion through chemical bonding rather than relying solely on physical adhesion, which fails with non-protic solvents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If polyimide films are used instead of glass substrates, then flexibility and thermal stability are improved, but hardness and scratch resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and thermal stabilityVSAvoidhardness and scratch resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure consisting of the polyimide film substrate combined with a hard coat layer containing silicon oxide nanoparticles. This composite material combines the flexibility and thermal stability of polyimide with the hardness and scratch resistance of the ceramic-containing hard coat, resolving the contradiction between softness and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If an adhesion promoter layer is added between polyimide film and hard coat, then adhesion is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion between layersVSAvoidnumber of layers in coated film
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adhesion promoter function with the interface region between the polyimide film and hard coat layer. The polyamic acid layer serves as both the bonding interface and part of the overall coating system, integrating multiple functions into a unified structure rather than adding a completely separate intermediate component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution significantly improves the adhesion and scratch resistance of polyimide films, ensuring better protection and performance in flexible display applications by forming a robust interface with the hard coat layer.

Implementation Method 1

The adhesion-promoter includes a polyamic acid composition and is on a surface of the polyimide film that is in contact with the curable resin coating composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The curable resin coating composition includes a curable oligomer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11248143B2Coated films and electronic devices
Publication Date: 2022.02.15 DUPONT ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

In a first aspect, a coated film includes a polyimide film, a curable resin coating composition and an adhesion-promoter. The curable resin coating composition includes a curable oligomer and first nanoparticles. The adhesion-promoter includes a polyamic acid composition and is on a surface of the polyimide film that is in contact with the curable resin coating composition. In a second aspect, an electronic device includes the coated film of first aspect.