Cambrios Technologies has partnered with Hitachi Chemical to develop an extremely transparent conductive film. The development integrates the photosensitive film technology from Hitachi Chemical and Cambrios Technologies’ ClearOhm silver nano-coating materials.
Earlier, indium tin oxide (ITO) was used as transparent conductive film for touch screen applications. But, the film requires a costly and complex sputtering deposition process. The innovative film from Hitachi Chemical needs a simple transfer process for electronic materials like photoresist.
ClearOhm nanowire coating material provides easier patterning and less expensive deposition capabilities. It helps to enhance the output compared to ITO films. The transparent conductive film from Hitachi Chemical is available in the form of rolls and manufacturers using this material can constantly achieve improved transmission and resistance balance.
The innovative transparent conductive film will be offered in different conductivities with total transmission rate of 85 to 91% and sheet resistance of 10 to 250 Ohm/sq. The material can be utilized to produce more flexible and invisible patterns for standard capacitive touch panels and to create emerging designs on three-dimensions and curved surfaces.
The transferable transparent conductive film eliminates the waste and cost related to the use of various chemicals, including stripper, etchant and photoresist. In addition to the smart phone and tablet PC applications, the film has potential applications in other devices such as photovoltaics, e-paper displays and OLEDs. The production of the film is expected to commence in late 2011. Hitachi Chemical aims for major production volumes by mid 2012 in order to meet the growing need for transparent conductive films for use in touch panels.