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European researchers developed OLED element that can be manufactured using printing technology
28.10.2008
The flexible and affordable source of light is particularly suitable for packaging
Researchers working in the European ROLLED project have developed a flexible OLED element that can be mass produced using roll-to-roll printing technology. The OLED elements can be used to add value to product packages. The new method is considerably cheaper than the traditional manufacturing method. The project was coordinated by VTT, and project participants included INM, CSEM, Ciba, Hansaprint, UPM and PolylC.
At its simplest, the flexible OLED element can be used in product packaging,
posters or on supermarket shelves to attract the attention of consumers. It
can also be connected to sensors measuring the freshness of food contained in
packages. It can also be used to prevent product copying. Arto Maaninen,
Technology Manager of the VTT Technical Research Centre in Finland, predicts
that the first OLED elements will be in commercial use within a couple of
years.
An OLED is an organic light emitting diode,
functioning in a way similar to LED lights. Importantly, the power consumption
of the OLED light source is very low. Using organic materials, OLED light
elements can be affordably manufactured using printing methods on large,
flexible surfaces.
The OLED element developed under the
ROLLED project is made from organic materials and is encapsulated in a
moisture barrier film. The element is 200–250 micrometers thick, the
equivalent to three or four sheets of paper.
The
manufacturing method was tested in two demonstration tests. The first was
presented as a two-colour OLED element that is attached to a product package.
When the package is unopened, a green tick is displayed. When the package is
opened, the fuse is blown and the tick changes into a red cross.
The
second demonstration showed how the OLED element can be powered by an NFC
telephone. The EU flag, with the stars representing the Members, was printed
on a business card. When an NFC phone was placed near the card, the stars
printed with the OLED elements lit up.
The current production
cost of an OLED element is tens of cents. Researchers, however, are aiming for
some end applications that cost as little as just a few cents. The acquisition
cost of the equipment needed in the manufacturing process is clearly lower,
and the speed of production is higher than in traditional production methods.
The savings achieved can be up to half of the traditional production costs of
OLED elements manufactured using a glass substrate.
The
expertise developed during the production of flexible OLED elements can also
be applied to the printing of solar cells used as a power source for various
small portable devices.
The new OLED element was developed in
the EU-funded ROLLED project, coordinated by VTT. Within this project VTT
developed the printing process, CSEM different patterning technologies, and
INM anode inks and barriers. VTT also developed a low work function cathode
ink that enhances the functioning of the components by lowering the power
supply voltage and reducing power consumption. It can be used in all printable
electronics components, including transistors, solar cells and other
electronics components.
Further information:
VTT
Technical Research Centre of Finland
Arto
Maaninen, Technology Manager
+358 40 746 3117
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