Reactive Mesogen Formulation with Conductive Additives for Static Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in manufacturing polymer films for optical or electrooptical components, such as LCDs, is the buildup of static charge during the coating process, which can lead to electrostatic discharge, uneven coatings, and optical defects like 'mura', especially when using non-conductive solvents, posing safety and quality risks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating conductive additives, specifically ionic organic compounds or polymerisable ionic liquids, into the reactive mesogen formulation to increase conductivity, reducing static charge buildup while maintaining good coatability, alignment, and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-conductive solvents are used in RM formulation, then good coatability and alignment are achieved, but static charge buildup occurs leading to electrostatic discharge and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter of the solvent by adding conductive additives (ionic liquids, surfactants, or conductive polymers) to transform the solvent from non-conductive to conductive, thereby eliminating static charge buildup while maintaining coating performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conductive additives as intermediary substances that mediate between the non-conductive RM formulation and the coating process, providing a pathway for charge dissipation without interfering with the primary coating and alignment functions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conducting solvents are used to reduce static charge, then electrostatic discharge is prevented, but solvent compatibility with substrates and RM solubility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite solvent system combining non-conductive solvents (for RM solubility and substrate compatibility) with conductive additives (for charge dissipation), achieving both safety and performance requirements through material composition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by adding conductive properties selectively through additives rather than changing the entire solvent system, allowing different regions of the formulation to maintain their specialized functions (solubility, compatibility, conductivity)
3Productivity
If rapid pumping of non-conductive flammable fluid is performed, then coating efficiency is improved, but electrostatic discharge risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful electrostatic effect generated by rapid pumping into a beneficial controlled conductivity feature, where the conductive additives channel and dissipate the generated charges safely, allowing high-speed processing without discharge hazards
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 use of conductive additives effectively minimizes static charge during film formation, preventing hazards and defects, and retains the advantageous properties of the polymer films, ensuring high-quality optical and electrooptical performance.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating conductive additives, specifically ionic organic compounds or polymerisable ionic liquids, into the reactive mesogen formulation to increase conductivity
Implementation Method 2
This can lead to an electrostatic discharge by arcing
Implementation Method 3
polymerising the coated and aligned RMs in situ by exposure to heat or actinic radiation, for example to UV radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a reactive mesogen (RM) formulation comprising a conductive additive, to a polymer film obtained thereof, and the use of the RM formulation and polymer film in optical or electrooptical components or devices, like optical retardation films for liquid crystal displays (LCDs).