Printed Electronics

Polymer Electronics

In Micronova applications based on processing of conjugated polymers (CP) or inherently conducting polymers (ICP) and other organic materials are developed. The research work has enabled novel device concepts and new low cost manufacturing techniques for organic and printable electronics such as imprint, UV-techniques, gravure and flexo printing.

Applications such as EMI shielding, antistatic applications and optoelectronic components, such as indicators, flexible organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic transistors and diodes, have been demonstrated.

Henrik Sandberg, henrik.sandberg@vtt.fi, tel. +358 20 722 6606
Timo Varpula, timo.varpula@vtt.fi, tel. +358 20 722 6418

The Results of Dedicated CP and ICP Research

CPs and ICPs have been investigated by experts for more than 15 years. During this time, our research has led to the creation of a wide range of exciting applications. These included not only passive electronics such as EMI shielding, antistatic applications, indicators and printable conductors and insulators, but also active optoelectronic devices such as flexible OLEDs, organic transistors and diodes, various organic sensing elements and switching devices.

Furthermore, the inherent material properties, charge transport mechanisms, film forming properties etc. have been studied and reported in scientific media. Commercially available materials such as polyanilines, polythiophenes and polypyrroles are characterised mainly by conductivity and impedance measurements, and morphology and topology are studed by e.g. AFM, STM and TEM. The commercially aquired materials are further modified to suitable form for processing, normally by dissolving in an organic solvents.

Henrik Sandberg, henrik.sandberg@vtt.fi, tel. +358 20 722 6606

Developing the Potential of Organic Field Effect Transistors and Other Electronic Components

At Micronova we have been using patterned conducting polymer films for the fabrication of electronic components. These include not only passive elements, such as resistors, capacitors and diodes, but also active components like Organic Field Effect Transistors (OFETs).

All-Polymer Field Effect Transistors are widely considered to be potential components for a range of products including thin flexible displays, smart labels and disposable electronics. We are using our expertise to focus on the opportunities for device fabrication, transistor design and characterisation. From a processing point of view, the most demanding details are the uniformity and µm-scale of the transistor channel as well as the thin film uniformity in both smoothness and thickness and multilayer solution processing.

Henrik Sandberg, henrik.sandberg@vtt.fi, tel. +358 20 722 6606

Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diodes

At Micronova we utilize the advantages of Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) over traditional inorganic devices. In addition to being more cost-effective to fabricate, having thin structures and being flexible, OLEDs are also lightweight, contain a large view angle and are easy to produce. These impressive characteristics have led to a number of companies demonstrating applications based on organic light emitting materials.

Our team is striving towards new applications in this area. Employing our knowledge and research skills, we aim to showcase how flexible OLEDs can be used not only decoratively in electronic equipment, but also as the backlight in devices such as cellular phones and other emerging applications.

Henrik Sandberg, henrik.sandberg@vtt.fi, tel. +358 20 722 6606

New Processing Techniques for Inherently Conducting Polymers

At Micronova we understand the importance of developing ideas into viable business opportunities. Consequently, we have developed new processing techniques suitable for conjugated polymers such as spraying, inkjet, screenprinting, gravure, flexo, offset and imprint lithographies. The gravure-printing method has already proven to be a practical option for use in a mass production facility for this class of materials.

Experiments, where a pilot-printing machine is used, have demonstrated this latest technique developed at Micronova. The first mass-produced applications for ICPs are likely to be indicators and sensors for packages on polymer or paper substrates.

Henrik Sandberg, henrik.sandberg@vtt.fi, tel. +358 20 722 6606

Inorganic printed electronics

To alleviate some of the challenges of organic printed electronics, such as in performance and durability, inorganic nanoparticle-based devices are developed. Metallic, semiconducting and insulating particles of 2-20 nm in diameter are used to fabricate sensors and electronics components. Also new methods to sinter the printed nanosized particles into continuous structures are developed.

Ari Alastalo, ari.alastalo@vtt.fi, tel. +358 20 722 7136

Overview of Printed Electronics at VTT

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