Apr 13 2009
Also called Plastic Electronics, Organic electronic deals with organic polymers or plastics that are conductive in nature. These polymers are called 'organic', as they are made from carbon-based molecules. This is in contrast to conventional electronics, which feature inorganic metal conductors such as silicon or copper. Key factors driving penetration of organic electronics in the mainstream market are its low cost for fabrication and high degree of flexibility.
Most of the application markets for organic electronics are in different stages of development and expected to enter early phases of commercialization in 2009-2010. OLED displays currently account for major portion of the demand as reported in a recent study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc. OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) is ideal for mobile computing and communications. Hence their use in mobile phones and similar handheld devices is expected to register significant growth in future. With the emergence of flexible substrate technology, OLED display is expected to benefit from new opportunities in various high-value applications.
Organic Thin Film Transistors (OTFT) is another promising application in the growing flexible organic electronics market. Printable organic transistors are versatile, thinner and more efficient compared to traditional transistors. The technology can also find application in electronics for flexible, lightweight displays; backplanes, RFID, and smart labels. Organic photovoltaics form one of the key technologies for solar energy market. Major advantage of organic photovoltaics over other technologies is the feasibility to manufacture through low-temperature, high-speed, roll-to-roll process. Although efficiencies of thin-film organic devices fall short of their inorganic counterparts, the technology nevertheless is gaining momentum given its potential to churn out cheaper and more cost-effective units.
Some of the key participants profiled in the study are Aixtron AG, BASF Future Business GmbH, Cambridge Display Technology Ltd., Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holding Inc., E Ink Corporation, E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, Eastman Kodak Company, eMagin Corporation, H.C. Starck GmbH, Merck KGaA, OSRAM GmbH, Poly-Optical Products, Inc., Plastic Logic, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Seiko Epson Corporation, Sharp Corporation, Solvay S.A, TDK Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Corporation, and Univision Technology, Inc.
The report titled "Organic Electronics: A Global Strategic Business Report" published by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., covers major market dynamics, trends, issues, and competition pertaining to the market. The report enumerates developments, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities in the recent past. Application markets analyzed in the study include OLED Displays, OLED Lighting, RFID Tags, OTFT Backplanes, TFPV/Organic Photovoltaic, and Sensors. Analysis is presented for the period 2006-2015.