Polymer scientists from the University of Akron in the US have developed a new transparent electrode that could make smartphone displays shatterproof.
The research was conducted by Darrell Reneker, professor of polymer science at UA and his team. The scientists demonstrated that how a transparent layer of electrodes on a polymer surface could be extraordinarily tough and flexible, withstanding repeated scotch tape peeling and bending tests.
"These two pronounced factors drive the need to substitute ITO with a cost-effective and flexible conductive transparent film," Zhu said, adding that the new film provides the same degree of transparency as ITO, yet offers greater conductivity.
Traditional ITO screen technology is very brittle and expensive, both of which are things you learned the hard way if you have ever dropped or sat on your phone. The film retains its shape and functionality after tests in which it has been bent 1,000 times. Due to its flexibility, the transparent electrode can be fabricated in economical, mass-quantity rolls.
"We expect this film to emerge on the market as a true ITO competitor. The annoying problem of cracked smartphone screens may be solved once and for all with this flexible touchscreen," Zhu said.
We like the sound of all this, but we are reminded of another device that offers flexibility, plus a curved design, the LG G Flex. However that didn't work very well. Although Zhu and team are eager to get it to market we cannot say how well the film of transparent electrodes will compare to the G Flex.
Source: Uakron.edu
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