Films

This is the last in our five-part summary of the SID 2018. In this article we will provide a series of information on various aspect of trends in display technology that did not readily fit into other articles.

In this article we report on the latest developments at SID 2018 concerning various components in flexible displays including thin film encapsulation, barrier films and adhesive, transparent conductive films and substrates

The 21st-century commercialisation of the aerogel industry has been extensively discussed, but despite the excitement and huge potential, it is still a long way from plain sailing for the manufacturers.

The transparent conductive film (TCF) industry will leave behind its years of sluggish growth to achieve rapid growth.

Silica aerogels and their use in fibrous composite panels and blankets remain the most prevalent form. Key market players and applications have driven this growth; however, this landscape could be about to shift.

Alternatives to silica aerogel panel and blanket composites are beginning to gain traction. Silica aerogel granule and powder products are becoming more pronounced as progressively more companies emerge. Meanwhile polymer aerogels are a different class of the material, which can have the potential to act as interesting alternatives to traditional plastic and composite products.

Advancements in electronics technology are enabling medical electronic equipment designed for faster diagnosis, improved patient quality of life, and new drug-based therapies.

The IDTechEx report "Functional Materials for Future Electronics: Metals, Inorganic & Organic Compounds, Graphene, CNT" looks at the new electronics and electrics from the point of view of suppliers of fine chemicals and associated high added value processes.

Graphene has already come a long way towards commercialisation, despite its short history. But really hard questions still remain about what comes next and how to grow revenues.