Heraeus' Clevios PEDOT used in a touch screen product for the first time

 

Germany-based Heraeus, active in the fields of precious metals, materials and technologies, as well as sensors, biomaterials and medical devices, has supplied its Clevios PEDOT:PSS product for a touch screen for the very first time. The solution is used for the preparation of the first large area PCT touch screen pilot product by the Taiwanese company Inputek. It is said to equip the device with clear, conductive and flexible properties.

The specialist IC design house and PCT touch solutions company Inputek incorporates Clevios into the device using screen printing and etch patterning processes. The preparation of the demonstrator with 10 sensor points is reported to provide technical advancement at an economic price. Applications in signage, point of sales, industrial and digital white boards are currently being investigated.

The Clevios PEDOT:PSS range from the display & semiconductor business unit of Heraeus consists of materials for antistatic through to highly conductive applications. Materials are modified for their application method, usually printing or coating, and for their end application requirements. Typically Clevios coatings can reach 100-250/m2 at a transparency of 90% (excluding substrate film). Clevios is increasingly finding applications in touch screens and sensors, as well as OLEDs, organic solar cells and security coatings. The 55-inch touch screen uses a version that provides 150/m2.

Dr Stephan Kirchmeyer, head of the display & semiconductor business unit at Heraeus, said: “The work with Inputek is an enabling technology, generating exciting new business opportunities and options for the touch display industry. Using conductive polymer coating and patterning options, large touch devices are more economic, of higher optical quality and can even be curved or flexible.”