Transparent silver nanowire composite film and method of application for flexible touch screens
Unmet Need
Current flexible touch screens employ complex haptic feedback for user perception and nanowire mesh materials that have high fog leading to decreased visual acuity. With a flexible display market expected to reach $65.3 billion by 2026, these screens will become part of personal electronic devices (laptops, phones, tablets, etc.) as well as televisions and interactive displays. There is a need for transparent nanowires films that can be integrated into device screens to provide the electrical benefits of nanowires while not hindering the visual display.
Technology
Duke inventors have developed a transparent silver nanowire composite film and a method of application. This is intended to be used in flexible touch screens. Specifically, the developed nanowires are able to be applied in a mesh-like coating to film surfaces allowing for increased electrical conductance and responsiveness while simultaneously decreasing surface roughness. Additionally, the conductance capacity of the nanowire mesh does not require the use of complex haptic feedback systems, increasing user satisfaction and ease due to decreased surface roughness and increased force sensitivity. This technology has been demonstrated in working prototype touch screens with a sheet resistance of 21.0 Ω sq1 at 95.0 % of optical transmittance.
Other Applications
This technology could also be used for energy storage devices such as solar cells and wearable medical devices.
Advantages
- Transparent, allowing for higher resolution
- Higher electrical to optical conductivity ratio
- Decreased surface roughness
- Improved perception of writing force on screen without the need for advanced haptics