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FlexTech News
FlexTech Alliance Awards Contract to Akron Polymer Sytems to Develop Flexible Optical Substrates for Display Technologies
Sep 17, 2008
The FlexTech Alliance (formerly known as the U.S. Display Consortium or USDC), the only organization headquartered in North America devoted to developing the electronic display and the flexible, printed electronics supply chain, today awarded a contract to Akron Polymer Systems (APS) to develop transparent polymer films for flexible display technologies. Currently, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are made on rigid glass substrates, making the displays heavier, thicker, inflexible, vulnerable to breakage and limited in product design freedom.
Development of flexible, optically transparent polymers will dramatically enhance potential applications for displays by enabling the display device to be flexible, lighter weight, thinner and more durable.
The goal of this project is to develop polymer materials that can potentially replace the glass substrates now used in LCDs, as well as other display technologies. In order to successfully replace glass, a polymer that can deliver optical, thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties is necessary. “We are pleased be part of the technology that will enable the military to have flexible, lightweight and rugged information displays,” stated Dr. Frank Harris, APS’ chief operating officer. “There is also exciting commercial potential for these polymers in applications such as flexible solar cells and flexible electronics,” APS, based in Akron, Ohio has a long history of developing high-performance polymers.
“APS has a solid background of research and commercialization in the optical polymer field,” stated the FlexTech Alliance’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Mark Hartney. “We expect that the polymers APS will develop under this project will have multiple applications and open new markets for display technologies and flexible electronics.” Hartney added that polymer substrate materials also offer highly attractive production efficiencies over glass materials, which include the ability to have continuous roll-to-roll production capabilities, and their compatibility with printing production techniques.
“I congratulate APS for receiving this competitive award from the FlexTech Alliance,” stated Congressman Tim Ryan (D-17 th OH) . “ Ohio companies have a long history in developing breakthrough display technology that benefits military and commercial consumers. This project will pave the way for success in building more rugged and versatile displays for our warfighters, and will greatly accelerate progress in the emerging field of flexible electronics.”
The FlexTech Alliance R&D program is a collaborative effort between private industry and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, located in Adelphi, MD.
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