Innovative materials for future products

Sensor with haptic feedback based on smart materials / Source: K. Dobberke for Fraunhofer ISC

The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC will present multifunctional materials for new applications and novel products at the IDTechEx trade show in Berlin on 28 and 29 April. Our barrier materials, printed electronics, electrochromic films and smart materials pave the way for the latest trends for flexible, leightweight and smarter designs and products. Visit Fraunhofer ISC at booth F17 in the Convention Center and Hotel Estrel.

On display will be novel encapsulation films developed by Fraunhofer ISC in collaboration with Fraunhofer IVV. The high barrier films are suitable for low-cost roll-to-roll production and ready for innovative applications e.g. in photovoltaics. Learn more from Dr. Sabine Amberg-Schwab in her presentation on Barrier films for technical applications on the accompanying IDTechEx conference Printed Electronics 2015.

Fraunhofer ISC has many years of experience in developing temperature stable, flexible gate dielectrics, interlayer dielectrics, passivation as well as thin film encapsulation materials based on inorganic-organic hybrid polymers (ORMOCER®s) for printed or flexible electronics. Other developments include printable metal oxide semiconductors and conductive oxides (TCO) for transparent flexible electronics, e.g. used for flexible displays. In display technology, Fraunhofer ISC also researches printable touch sensors and user interfaces.

Electrochromic films developed by Fraunhofer ISC offer new perspectives for intelligent shading systems e.g. in aircraft cabin windows. Present work is focusing on a broader colour choices and larger transmission ranges.

Also on display will be new sensors based on elastomer materials and piezoelectric thin film sensors for versatile use, e.g. as new magnetic elastomer actuators in consumer, automotive or industry electronics. This is of special interest for the design of non-contact invisible switches.

http://www.isc.fraunhofer.de