Nanotech now on film
August 2014 – The Display Search Emerging Display Technology event, there were a number of companies once again speaking on the cost and performance advantages of nano-technology based products to improve and solve produces in the manufacturing of displays. These products have been promoted for many years at these events, and the stability and capability to produce them in volume has been around for a while. What kept the technology back was the regulations for using the nanotech particles in a workplace and with live line workers..
The EU, FDA, OSHA and other US agencies have setup criteria for mixing and spraying multiwall nanotubes which are a known carcinogen, loose buckyballs, and some additional nanoparticle configurations. To address these issues and provide a safe workplace and be able to address high volume manufacturing, the nano-materials vendors have been partnering with laminating film manufacturers to create a custom bonded and stable nanoparticle/film product that can be handled like regular film with no materials and shipping differences from non-nanoparticle materials.
Nanosys / 3M QDEF Quantum Dot Film Cross Section
Partners like 3M and other companies have entered in the market to produce an application layer films such as touch and quantum dot films that can drop into the standard display lamination layer flow. These films are now allowing the nanoparticles products to enter the market and realize their potential in all areas except battery technology where the raw nanomaterial is still being used in the chemistry mix and thus subject to the health and safety regulations.
