High‑conductivity Clevios™ PEDOT is deployed as electrodes for the first time in large‑size Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT) panels. Heraeus Clevios™ PEDOT:PSS polymer composite delivers excellent clarity, flexibility and conductivity for touch‑enabled devices. Taiwan‑based Inputek has successfully produced the world’s first large‑size PCT touch panel using Clevios™ products.

Inputek specializes in integrated‑circuit (IC) design and PCT touch solutions. In this project, Clevios™ materials were successfully integrated into products manufactured with screen‑printing and etch‑patterning processes. Fabrication of this display with ten sensing points proves that technical progress and cost optimization can be achieved concurrently. Its potential applications for interactive displays, point‑of‑sale terminals, industrial equipment and digital whiteboards are currently under evaluation.

The Clevios™ PEDOT:PSS product family belongs to Heraeus Display & Semiconductor Business Unit, covering a broad portfolio of antistatic and high‑conductivity materials. These materials can be modified to match processing methods (printing or coating) and end‑application requirements. In general, Clevios™ coatings reach sheet resistance of 100‑250 Ohm/sq and transparency up to 90 % (substrate film excluded). Clevios™ is widely used in touch screens, sensors, OLEDs, organic solar cells and anti‑counterfeiting coatings. This 55‑inch touch screen adopts Clevios™ material with sheet resistance of 150 Ohm/sq.

Dr. Stephan Kirchmeyer, Senior President of Heraeus Display & Semiconductor Business Group, stated: “Our partnership with Inputek drives technological advancement and generates brand‑new business opportunities and solutions for the touch‑display industry. Conductive‑polymer coatings and patterning solutions effectively cut manufacturing costs for large‑format touch devices, improve optical performance and even enable curved or foldable products.”

Andrew Chung, General Manager of Inputek, added: “Patternable conductive polymers applied to large‑size PCT touch‑panel manufacturing help lower costs and unlock more opportunities for consumer‑facing applications. In the near future, restaurants may adopt touch‑table units for food ordering, payment and even gaming.”

Heraeus will exhibit this 55‑inch PCT touch screen at Touch Taiwan 2014 in Taipei, August 27‑29, Booth i1028.