Aug 6, 2018

New technology for ultra-smooth polymer films

Flexible film substrate of 1.25 meter width at the roll-to-roll coating line “atmoFlex 1250”
Source: Fraunhofer FEP
Aug 6, 2018
Smooth surfaces with low defect densities are of great importance for many application areas, from decoratively coated vehicle bodies to substrates for high-tech industries. Particularly in latter case, subsequent finishing steps can only exhibit their full potential if the surface quality of the substrate is also at a very high level. For example, films for encapsulation of electronic components need thin permeation barrier layers made by a vacuum coating process that prevent against penetration of oxygen and moisture. The deposition of active electronic layers, for example for OLEDs or touch screens, requires ultra-smooth surfaces to ensure reliably capabilities such as light emission and conductivity over large-areas.

Scientists at Fraunhofer FEP have now developed a new method for creating ultra-smooth surfaces – dubbed the smoothing-film approach. This innovative process does not require any special processing environment and could therefore also be used under standard factory conditions. With this new approach, a wet coating is applied to a flexible substrate. Afterwards, the wet coating is covered with a second film, the smoothing film. In the end the coating is dried via electron beam. In order to reduce the costs for the smoothing films, their reusability was examined. The scientists were able to show that even after reusing the smoothing film ten times, no increase in defect density or decrease of surface quality was observed.

Kontakt: Philipp Schulze, Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP
marketing@fep.fraunhofer.de

Recommended articles

Mar 12, 2024

The demand for electronics that operate at low temperatures is growing and becoming ever more important, especially for applications in …

Mar 11, 2024

LZH scientists have developed an automated process for laser drilling that facilitates the machining of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP). This …

Mar 7, 2024

As a leading conference for the microtechnology industry, the IVAM Hightech Summit offers a unique platform for experts and deciders …

Recommended events

Mar 5 - 7, 2025
Discover the Future of Photonics with IVAM
Feb 4 - 6, 2025
Medical Design & Manufacturing - IVAM presents Micro Nanotech Area in Hall C
Nov 11 - 14, 2024
Product Market “High-tech for Medical Devices” and "COMPAMED HIGH-TECH FORUM" in Hall 8a, F29 (IVAM Lounge)