Transferable Nanocomposite Touch Sensors for High Throughput Manufacturing
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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 is developed, comprising a conductive nanomaterial such as silver nanowires in a polymer matrix, with a protective film and release film configuration that allows for high throughput processing on flexible or rigid substrates, ensuring controlled adhesion and minimizing oxidative degradation, and a siloxane oligomer is used for surface treatment to enhance substrate adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If metal nanowires like silver nanowires are used to replace ITO, then lightweight and readability are improved, but manufacturing process complexity and oxidation resistance become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
A protective film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the silver nanowire network and the external environment. This film acts as a barrier that prevents oxygen and moisture from reaching the nanowires, thereby preventing oxidation while maintaining the lightweight and transparent properties of the nanowire-based electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure consisting of silver nanowires embedded in a polymer matrix or combined with other materials. This composite approach provides both the desired electrical conductivity and transparency of nanowires while the surrounding matrix material offers protection against oxidation and mechanical stability.
2Reliability
If conventional ITO is used for transparent conducting films, then electrical conductivity and transparency are achieved, but material scarcity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces scarce and expensive ITO with abundant and inexpensive metal nanowires such as silver nanowires. These nanowires can be produced through cost-effective processes and provide comparable or superior electrical conductivity and transparency without relying on scarce indium resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from oxide-based (ITO) to metallic nanowire-based conductors. This parameter change enables the use of abundant metals like silver, copper, or aluminum in nanowire form, which offer excellent conductivity while being much more abundant than indium.
3Productivity
If high throughput manufacturing process is implemented, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision and material integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective film is applied to the nanowire network before final assembly and integration into the device. This preliminary protection ensures that the delicate nanowire structure is safeguarded against damage during subsequent high-speed manufacturing steps, handling, and assembly processes, thereby maintaining material integrity while enabling high throughput production.
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
This approach enables the production of touch sensors with high optical transmittance and low electrical resistance, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining the integrity of the conductive nanomaterials, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a siloxane oligomer is used for surface treatment to enhance substrate adhesion
Implementation Method 2
The protective film may adhere to the front surface of the electrically conductive nanocomposite layer
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.