Kisco commits to using their new and innovative Parylenes and coating technologies to improve OLEDs

A very new and exciting technology is emerging – one that is revolutionizing how we provide lighting, how we create images on screens, read books and newspapers, and even how we take photographs.

Imagine a HDTV that is 80 inches across…and only a quarter of an inch thick! Now imagine a big screen that you can simply roll up and move to another room. Maybe even a heads-up display in your car or a viewing screen built right into your own clothes? That technology is not only possible; some of it is already here.

That technology is called OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes). OLEDs are solid-state devices composed of thin films of organic molecules that create light when connected to electricity. OLEDs can provide brighter, crisper displays on electronic devices and use less power than conventional LEDs or liquid crystal displays that are in use today.

And unlike conventional incandescent bulbs, OLED devices emit enormous amounts of light using very little energy. Since a major portion of the electricity used every day in this world is for lighting and consumer electronics, we need to drastically reduce our energy consumption in an environmentally sound fashion.

Because OLEDs refresh faster than LCDs -- almost 1,000 times faster -- a device with an OLED display could actually refresh information virtually in real time. Video images could be much more realistic and instantly updated….and with a vibrantly clear, fluid motion. The newspaper of the future might be an OLED display that refreshes with breaking news -- and like a regular newspaper, you could fold it up and set it aside when you're done.

OLEDs offer many advantages over both LCDs and LEDs:

• Organic sheets of OLEDs are thin and flexible…unlike the hard crystal sheets of LEDs or LCDs.
• OLEDs are brighter than LEDs and don’t require backlighting (as in LCDs, where most power goes into the backlighting). Imagine the extra battery life in a cell phone for example!
• OLEDs are easier to manufacture and can be rolled out in large thin sheets..
• OLEDs have large fields of view – they produce their own light.

However, OLEDs have their own set of challenges. They need to be sealed from air, environmental contaminants and moisture/water vapor. Any OLED sealants must be pinhole/contaminant free and be able to operate for long periods of time under elevated thermal conditions and relative humidity. The sealants also need low gas permeability, high optical transparency and flexibility.

Kisco parylenes meet these requirements. Many research laboratories have shown Parylene coatings lengthen the life span of OLEDs. Protecting OLEDS from our natural environment is necessary for the success of this technology, and Kisco has demonstrated its commitment to advancing through the use of its large network of both coating centers around the world as well as its sister companies who regularly help it advance through the introduction of advanced processes and technologies.

Kisco Conformal Coating has committed to using their high operating temperature pin-hole free Parylenes, research personnel and coating technologies to solve the sealing problems of this revolutionary “Green” technology. Armed with the strength of advanced research teams as well as the largest complement of parylene dimers (including the newly created diX-super-pure parylene), Kisco Conformal Coating (and the whole Kisco family of companies) are prepared to help you meet the challenge.

Contact Kisco Conformal Coatings for more information on sealing OLEDs.