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Shatterproof screens that save smartphones
Date:
June 6, 2014
Source:
University of Akron
Summary:
Researchers
have demonstrated how a transparent layer of electrodes on a polymer
surface could be extraordinarily tough and flexible, withstanding
repeated Scotch tape peeling and bending tests.
A
transparent layer of electrodes on a polymer surface could be
extraordinarily tough and flexible, providing for a shatterproof
smartphone touchscreen.
Credit: Image courtesy of University of Akron
University
of Akron polymer scientists have developed a transparent electrode that
could change the face of smartphones, literally, by making their
displays shatterproof.
In
a recently published scientific paper, researchers demonstrated how a
transparent layer of electrodes on a polymer surface could be
extraordinarily tough and flexible, withstanding repeated scotch tape
peeling and bending tests. This could revolutionize and replace
conventional touchscreens, according to Yu Zhu, UA assistant professor
of polymer science. Currently used coatings made of indium tin oxide
(ITO) are more brittle, most likely to shatter, and increasingly costly
to manufacture.
Novel and cost-effective
"These two pronounced factors drive the need to substitute ITO with a cost-effective and flexible conductive transparent film," Zhu says, adding that the new film provides the same degree of transparency as ITO, yet offers greater conductivity. The novel film retains its shape and functionality after tests in which it has been bent 1,000 times. Due to its flexibility, the transparent electrode can be fabricated in economical, mass-quantity rolls.
"We expect this film to emerge on the market as a true ITO competitor," Zhu says. "The annoying problem of cracked smartphone screens may be solved once and for all with this flexible touchscreen.
The team's findings are published in the American Chemical Society's journal ACS Nano in the article titled "A Tough and High-Performance Transparent Electrode from a Scalable and Transfer-Free Method."
This research was conducted by Zhu, UA graduate students Tianda He and Aozhen Xia, and Darrell Reneker, distinguished professor of polymer science at UA.
Novel and cost-effective
"These two pronounced factors drive the need to substitute ITO with a cost-effective and flexible conductive transparent film," Zhu says, adding that the new film provides the same degree of transparency as ITO, yet offers greater conductivity. The novel film retains its shape and functionality after tests in which it has been bent 1,000 times. Due to its flexibility, the transparent electrode can be fabricated in economical, mass-quantity rolls.
"We expect this film to emerge on the market as a true ITO competitor," Zhu says. "The annoying problem of cracked smartphone screens may be solved once and for all with this flexible touchscreen.
The team's findings are published in the American Chemical Society's journal ACS Nano in the article titled "A Tough and High-Performance Transparent Electrode from a Scalable and Transfer-Free Method."
This research was conducted by Zhu, UA graduate students Tianda He and Aozhen Xia, and Darrell Reneker, distinguished professor of polymer science at UA.
Story Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by University of Akron. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
The above story is based on materials provided by University of Akron. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
Journal Reference:
- Tianda He, Aozhen Xie, Darrell H. Reneker, Yu Zhu. A Tough and High-Performance Transparent Electrode from a Scalable and Transfer-Free Method. ACS Nano, 2014; 8 (5): 4782 DOI: 10.1021/nn500678b
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