BAYER MATERIALSCIENCE
Development of materials for printed electronics sector
Printed polymer electronics is a “next-generation technology” for delivering cost-effective production of integrated, complex moulded electronic components, according to Bayer MaterialScience (BMS, Leverkusen / Germany; www.bayerbms.com). The company has developed a range of materials for customers that print PC films with electronic functions and process them into 3D electronic components.
BMS materials include flexible films such as “Makrofol” HF, a scratch-resistant three-dimensional formable hardcoat film with a deep gloss finish. The company has also developed conductive and formable nano inks, branded “BayInk”, which can be applied digitally using conventional printing technology. The inks adhere to a wide range of plastic films such as Makrofol and “Bayfol”, the company says.
The advantage of films in printed polymer electronics is that they can be printed in a limited space with several electronic functions such as wiring diagrams, actuators, sensors and antennae, which previously had to be applied as separate components. Integrating these functions cuts the number of parts required and the amount of logistical and assembly work, says BMS. “This results in compact, ready-to-install ‘all-in-one’ electronic modules that require a minimum of space, thus reflecting the trend toward miniaturisation in electronics,” the company adds.
According to market research company IDTechEx (Cambridge / UK; www.idtechex.com), the global market for polymer electronics is expected to reach almost USD 100 bn by 2020 and USD 250 bn just five years later (see Plasteurope.com of 27.07.2010). "We are looking to benefit from this with our film business and are committed to close collaboration with manufacturers of these electronic modules at all stages of component production,” said Dirk Pophusen, head of business development for functional films in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America at BMS. “Our aim is to work together to develop customised solutions."
BMS has a technical service centre for films, with machinery and equipment for every stage of the film insert moulding process for printed polymer electronics production, he added.
BMS materials include flexible films such as “Makrofol” HF, a scratch-resistant three-dimensional formable hardcoat film with a deep gloss finish. The company has also developed conductive and formable nano inks, branded “BayInk”, which can be applied digitally using conventional printing technology. The inks adhere to a wide range of plastic films such as Makrofol and “Bayfol”, the company says.
The advantage of films in printed polymer electronics is that they can be printed in a limited space with several electronic functions such as wiring diagrams, actuators, sensors and antennae, which previously had to be applied as separate components. Integrating these functions cuts the number of parts required and the amount of logistical and assembly work, says BMS. “This results in compact, ready-to-install ‘all-in-one’ electronic modules that require a minimum of space, thus reflecting the trend toward miniaturisation in electronics,” the company adds.
According to market research company IDTechEx (Cambridge / UK; www.idtechex.com), the global market for polymer electronics is expected to reach almost USD 100 bn by 2020 and USD 250 bn just five years later (see Plasteurope.com of 27.07.2010). "We are looking to benefit from this with our film business and are committed to close collaboration with manufacturers of these electronic modules at all stages of component production,” said Dirk Pophusen, head of business development for functional films in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America at BMS. “Our aim is to work together to develop customised solutions."
BMS has a technical service centre for films, with machinery and equipment for every stage of the film insert moulding process for printed polymer electronics production, he added.
23.09.2010 Plasteurope.com [217322]
Published on 23.09.2010