Designed for use in front panels of electronic devices is a new transparent film called View-Barrier, processed and marketed by Mitsubishi Plastics Inc. (MPI; Tokyo, Japan) and now commercially available in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The new film is a modified version of the company’s established X-Barrier films, which MPI launched in July 2008 and which we reported on here. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) vacuum coating is used to treat the film.
According to the processor, the new film’s potential application field includes the front panel of electronic devices such as electronic paper, organic/non-organic electro-luminescence and photovoltaic modules, or in thin, light, and low-cost flat panel displays. Looking ahead, MPI predicts the film could eventually see use in a “roll-to-roll” process (rather than glass-plate batch fabrication) for printable electronics, an emerging and fast-growing market. View-Barrier’s water vapor transmission rate is as low as 10ï¼4 g/m2/day, which MPI claims will allow for flexible, roll-to-roll production of plastic electronics.
The low water vapor transmission rate remains even after long-term high temperatures and high humidity, says MPI. In addition to its water vapor barrier properties, it also offers gas barrier properties for oxygen and carbon dioxide. Metal-free, it has reduced reflection and glare. —[email protected]
