Transferable Nanocomposite Touch Sensors
Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch screen technologies face challenges in achieving high throughput manufacturing of transparent electrically conductive nanocomposite layers with optimal optical and electrical properties, particularly due to the scarcity of indium tin oxide (ITO) and the need for lightweight, readable materials, where metal nanowires like silver nanowires are promising but require efficient processing methods.
Innovation Solution
A transferable electrically conductive nanocomposite comprising a conductive nanomaterial, such as silver nanowires, embedded in a polymer matrix, is developed with a protective and release film configuration to ensure high adhesion and controlled peeling, enabling the formation of transparent conductive electrodes on flexible or rigid substrates using a high throughput process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If metal nanowires are used to replace ITO for transparent conductive electrodes, then optical transmittance and electrical conductivity are improved, but manufacturing complexity and process difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is divided into distinct stages: depositing metal nanowires onto a release film, coating the polymer matrix, curing the polymer, and finally transferring to the substrate. Each stage is optimized independently, with the release film serving as a temporary carrier that simplifies handling and enables high-throughput processing
Solution Approach 2:
A release film acts as an intermediary carrier during manufacturing. The metal nanowires are first deposited onto the release film, then the polymer matrix is coated and cured over them. This intermediary structure enables easy handling, transfer, and integration onto various substrates without directly manipulating the fragile nanowire network
2Reliability
If ITO is used for transparent conductive films, then manufacturing process is simple and reliable, but material scarcity and increasing costs are problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from ITO (indium tin oxide) to metal nanowires (such as silver, copper, or aluminum). This parameter change addresses material scarcity by using abundant metals while maintaining or improving electrical conductivity and optical transmittance properties through the nanoscale wire network structure
3Weight of moving object
If nanocomposite layers are formed on flexible substrates, then device flexibility and weight are improved, but manufacturing throughput and process control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The metal nanowire network and polymer matrix are fully formed and cured on the release film before transfer to the final substrate. This preliminary formation on a stable release film enables high-throughput processing, after which the complete nanocomposite layer is transferred as a unit to flexible substrates, maintaining both productivity and flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure generally relates to a transferable electrically conductive nanocomposite and a method for manufacturing it. This disclosure also relates to a high throughput process suitable for manufacturing of transparent electrically conductive nanocomposite layers formed on both flexible and rigid substrates. This disclosure also generally relates to an electronic system comprising a transparent conductive electrode. This disclosure also generally relates to an electronic system comprising a touch sensor and a method for manufacturing such system. This disclosure also generally relates to an optoelectronic system including a touch screen.