U.S. patent application number 15/148268 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-15 for adhesive and sealing layers for electrophoretic displays.
The applicant listed for this patent is E INK CALIFORNIA, LLC. Invention is credited to Jack HOU, Rong-Chang LIANG, Cheri PEREIRA, Xiaojia ZHANG.
Application Number | 20160266422 15/148268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41652674 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160266422 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZHANG; Xiaojia ; et
al. |
September 15, 2016 |
ADHESIVE AND SEALING LAYERS FOR ELECTROPHORETIC DISPLAYS
Abstract
The invention is directed to compositions and methods for
improving the physicomechanical and electro-optical properties of
an electrophoretic or liquid crystal display and also to
semi-finished or finished display panels with improved
physicomechanical properties. The invention is further directed to
a display device comprising display cells filled with a display
fluid and top-sealed with a top-sealing layer, wherein the
top-sealing layer has a thickness of less than 10 microns measured
at the center area.
Inventors: |
ZHANG; Xiaojia; (Fremont,
CA) ; PEREIRA; Cheri; (Fremont, CA) ; HOU;
Jack; (Fremont, CA) ; LIANG; Rong-Chang;
(Cupertino, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
E INK CALIFORNIA, LLC |
Fremont |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
41652674 |
Appl. No.: |
15/148268 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12485812 |
Jun 16, 2009 |
9346987 |
|
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15148268 |
|
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|
11499909 |
Aug 4, 2006 |
7572491 |
|
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12485812 |
|
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10762196 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
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11499909 |
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60442454 |
Jan 24, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09J 167/07 20130101;
C08L 67/04 20130101; G02F 1/133377 20130101; C09J 175/06 20130101;
G02F 1/1679 20190101; C09J 175/16 20130101; G02F 1/1681 20190101;
C08L 2666/02 20130101; G02F 1/167 20130101; G02F 1/1339 20130101;
C08G 2190/00 20130101; C08G 18/672 20130101; C09J 175/08 20130101;
C08G 18/792 20130101; C09K 2323/05 20200801; C09J 167/07 20130101;
C08L 2666/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/1339 20060101
G02F001/1339; G02F 1/1333 20060101 G02F001/1333; C09J 175/16
20060101 C09J175/16; G02F 1/167 20060101 G02F001/167; C09J 175/08
20060101 C09J175/08; C09J 175/06 20060101 C09J175/06 |
Claims
1. A semi-finished display panel comprising an array of display
cells disposed between two temporary substrate layers, the display
cells being filled with a display fluid comprising a dielectric
solvent, and being top-sealed with a top-sealing layer, wherein the
top-sealing layer is formed from a sealing composition comprising a
functionalized polyurethane and a radiation curable composition,
wherein the top-sealing layer has a thickness of between about 1
micron and 8 microns, wherein the functionalized polyurethane has a
dielectric constant higher than that of the dielectric solvent, and
wherein the functionalized polyurethane comprises a functional
group selected from a group consisting of --OH, --SH, --NCO, --NCS,
--NHR, --NRCONHR, --NRCSNHR, and epoxide, wherein R is hydrogen,
alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or arylalkyl of up to 20 carbon atoms.
2. The semi-finished display panel of claim 1, wherein the
radiation curable composition comprises a multifunctional monomer
or oligomer.
3. The semi-finished display panel of claim 1, wherein the sealing
composition further comprises a crosslinking agent.
4. The semi-finished display panel of claim 3, wherein the sealing
composition further comprises a catalyst.
5. The semi-finished display panel of claim 1, wherein the
functionalized polyurethane comprises a hydroxyl terminated
polyester polyurethane, a hydroxyl terminated polyether
polyurethane, an isocyanate terminated polyester polyurethane, an
isocyanate terminated polyether polyurethane, an acrylate
terminated polyester polyurethane, or an acrylate terminated
polyether polyurethane.
6. The semi-finished display panel of claim 1, wherein the sealing
composition has a specific gravity not greater than that of the
display fluid.
7. The semi-finished display panel of claim 1, wherein the display
cells are microcups.
8. The semi-finished display panel of claim 7, wherein the
microcups are prepared by embossing or lithography.
9. The semi-finished display panel of claim 1, wherein the
temporary substrate is a release liner.
10. The semi-finished display panel of claim 9, wherein the panel
is in the form of a roll.
11. The semi-finished display panel of claim 1, wherein the
top-sealing layer has a thickness of between about 3 microns and 6
microns.
12. The semi-finished display panel of claim 1, wherein the panel
is in the form of a roll.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/485,812, filed Jun. 16; 2009, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/499,909, filed
Aug. 4, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,491; which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/762,196, filed
Jan. 21, 2004, abandoned; which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Applications No. 60/442,454, filed Jan. 24, 2003; the
entire contents of all applications referred to above are
incorporated into this application by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention is directed to compositions and methods for
improving the physicomechanical properties and contrast ratio of
displays and also to semi-finished and finished display panels
having improved physicomechanical properties and their
manufacture.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The electrophoretic display (EPD) is a non-emissive device
based on the electrophoresis phenomenon of charged pigment
particles suspended in a solvent. It was first proposed in 1969.
The display usually comprises two plates with electrodes placed
opposing each other, separated by spacers. One of the electrodes is
usually transparent. An electrophoretic fluid composed of a colored
solvent with charged pigment particles dispersed therein is
enclosed between the two plates. When a voltage difference is
imposed between the two electrodes, the pigment particles migrate
to one side or the other causing either the color of the pigment
particles or the color of the solvent being seen from the viewing
side.
[0006] There are several different types of EPDs. In the partition
type EPD (see M. A. Hopper and V. Novotny, IEEE Trans. Electr.
Dev., 26(8): 1148-1152 (1979)), there are partitions between the
two electrodes for dividing the space into smaller cells in order
to prevent undesired movement of particles, such as sedimentation.
The microcapsule type EPD (as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,961,804
and 5,930,026) has a substantially two dimensional arrangement of
microcapsules each having therein an electrophoretic composition of
a dielectric fluid and a suspension of charged pigment particles
that visually contrast with the dielectric solvent. Another type of
EPD (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,758) has electrophoretic cells that
are formed from parallel line reservoirs. The channel-like
electrophoretic cells are covered with, and in electrical contact
with, transparent conductors. A layer of transparent glass from
which side the panel is viewed overlies the transparent
conductors.
[0007] An improved EPD technology is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,930,818, 6,672,921, 6,933,098, 6,545,797 and 7,005,468, and US
Publication Nos. US 2004-0085619 and 2004-0112525, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0008] A typical microcup-based display cell is shown in FIG. 1.
The cell (10) is partitioned by walls (10b) into subcells or
microcups (10a) and sandwiched between a first electrode layer (11)
and a second electrode layer (12), at least one of which is
transparent. A primer layer (13) is optionally present between the
cell (10) and the first electrode layer (11). The subcells or
microcups (10a) are filled with an electrophoretic fluid comprising
pigment particles (10c) dispersed in a dielectric solvent (10d).
The filled microcups are sealed with a sealing layer (14) and
laminated with the second electrode layer (12), optionally with an
adhesive (15). In the case of in-plane switching EPDs, both
in-plane electrodes may be on the same side of the EPD and one of
the electrode layers mentioned above may be replaced by an
insulating substrate.
[0009] The display panel may be prepared by microembossing or
photolithography as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,930,818. In the
microembossing process, an embossable composition is coated onto
the conductor side of the first electrode layer (11) and embossed
under pressure and/or heat to produce an array of microcups.
[0010] The embossable composition may comprise a thermoplastics,
thermoset or a precursor thereof which may be selected from the
group consisting of multifunctional acrylates or methacrylates,
vinylbezenes, vinylethers, epoxides, oligomers or polymers thereof,
and the like. Multifunctional acrylates and oligomers thereof are
the most preferred. A combination of a multifunctional epoxide and
a multifunctional acrylate is also very useful to achieve desirable
physico-mechanical properties. A crosslinkable oligomer imparting
flexibility, such as an urethane acrylate or polyester acrylate, is
usually also added to improve the flexure resistance of the
microcups. The composition may contain an oligomer, a monomer,
additives and optionally a polymer. The glass transition
temperature (Tg) for the embossable composition usually ranges from
about -70.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C., preferably from about
-45.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C.
[0011] The microembossing process is typically carried out at a
temperature higher than the Tg of the embossable composition. A
heated male mold or a heated housing substrate against which the
mold presses may be used to control the microembossing temperature
and pressure.
[0012] The mold is released during or after the embossable
composition is hardened to reveal the subcells or microcups (10a).
The hardening of the embossable composition may be accomplished by
cooling, solvent evaporation, cross-linking by radiation, heat or
moisture. If the curing of the embossable composition is
accomplished by UV radiation, UV may radiate onto the
thermoplastic, thermoset or precursor layer through the transparent
conductor layer. Alternatively, UV lamps may be placed inside the
mold. In this case, the mold must be transparent to allow the UV
light to radiate through the pre-patterned male mold on to the
embossable composition.
[0013] A thin primer layer (13) is optionally precoated onto the
electrode layer (11) to improve the release properties of the mold
and the adhesion between the subcells or microcups (10a) and the
electrode layer (11). The composition of the primer layer may be
the same or different from the embossing composition.
[0014] In general, the dimension of each individual microcups or
subcells may be in the range of about 10.sup.2 to about 10.sup.6
.mu.m.sup.2, preferably from about 10.sup.3 to about
5.times.10.sup.4 .mu.m.sup.2. The depth of the cells is in the
range of about 3 to about 100 microns, preferably from about 10 to
about 50 microns. The ratio between the area of opening to the
total area is in the range of from about 0.05 to about 0.95,
preferably from about 0.4 to about 0.9. The width of the openings
usually are in the range of from about 15 to about 500 microns,
preferably from about 25 to about 300 microns, from edge to edge of
the openings.
[0015] The microcups are filled with an electrophoretic fluid and
top-sealed by one of the methods as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,930,818 and 7,005,468, the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference. For example, it may be accomplished by a
two-pass method involving overcoating the filled microcups with a
top-sealing composition comprising a solvent and a top-sealing
material. The top-sealing composition is essentially incompatible
with the electrophoretic fluid and has a specific gravity no
greater than that of the electrophoretic fluid. Upon solvent
evaporation, the sealing composition forms a conforming seamless
seal on top of the electrophoretic fluid. The top-sealing layer may
be further hardened by heat, radiation, e-beam or other curing
methods. Sealing with a composition comprising a thermoplastic
elastomer is particularly preferred. Alternatively, the top-sealing
may be accomplished by a one-pass method in which the sealing
composition is dispersed in an electrophoretic fluid and together
with the electrophoretic fluid is filled into the microcups. The
top-sealing composition is essentially incompatible with the
electrophoretic fluid and is lighter than the electrophoretic
fluid. Upon phase separation and solvent evaporation, the
top-sealing composition floats to the top of the electrophoretic
fluid and forms a seamless sealing layer thereon. The top-sealing
layer may be further hardened by heat, radiation or other curing
methods.
[0016] The top-sealed microcups finally are laminated with the
second electrode layer (12) optionally pre-coated with an adhesive
layer (15).
[0017] Transmissive or reflective liquid crystal displays may also
be prepared by the microcup technology as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,795,138 and US Publication No. 2004-0170776 (now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,141,279), the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0018] The displays prepared from the microcup and top-sealing
technologies represent a significant advancement in the field of
display technology. The microcup-based display may have an adhesive
layer and a sealing layer and most of the commonly used adhesives
may exhibit a strong capacitor effect. The use of a hydrophilic
adhesive or addition of a conductive additive in the adhesive may
alleviate the problems associated with the capacitor effect, but
these possible remedies often result in setbacks such as
sensitivity to humidity, undesirable current leakage or short
circuitry.
[0019] In US Publication No. 2004-0112525, the content of which is
incorporated herein by reference, a method for improving the
adhesion properties and switching performance of electrophoretic
displays is disclosed. The method involves utilizing a composition
comprising a high dielectric polymer or oligomer and optionally a
crosslinking agent as an adhesive or top-sealing layer. In the
method disclosed, a thermal hardening step is typically required.
Unfortunately, thermal hardening is a very slow process
particularly at a low temperature typically employed to avoid
undesirable evaporation of the dielectric solvent in the
electrophoretic fluid. A catalyst for the crosslinking reaction may
be used to speed up thermal curing, however, at the expense of the
green time of the coating solution. The low thermal curing
temperature also results in a low Tg of the cured top-sealing or
adhesive layer because of the vitrification effect--the thermal
curing reaction will slow down significantly when Tg of the curing
system is approaching the curing temperature. A low Tg top-sealing
or adhesive layer therefore results in deteriorated EPD temperature
latitude probably because the pigment particles tend to
irreversibly stick to the top-sealing layer when the operation
temperature is approaching the Tg of the top-sealing material.
[0020] The other disadvantage of the thermally cured
top-sealing/adhesive layer is the short green time for the
subsequent lamination onto the electrode layer or supporting
substrate. As a result, the display panels manufactured with the
thermally cured sealing or adhesive layer are often finished
display panels with the electrode layer (12) laminated before being
shipped to customers. This finished or prelaminated structure
requires different electrode patterns or designs predetermined at
the time of panel manufacturing to meet different customer
specifications. For electrophoretic or liquid crystal displays that
require a common, non-patterned electrode layer or an insulating
substrate on one side, it is highly desirable to streamline the
manufacturing operation by supplying to customers a semi-finished
display panel in a jumbo roll which comprises filled and sealed
microcups laminated with a temporary substrate such as a release
liner to prevent the sealing or adhesive layer from sticking to the
back of the roll. Upon receiving the roll of the semi-finished
display panel, customers may cut it into the desired format and
size, remove the temporary substrate to expose the sealing or
adhesive layer, and laminate the panel onto a second electrode
layer with a desired electrode design to complete the display panel
assembling for various applications. Alternatively, the second
substrate or electrode layer may be disposed onto the sealed
microcups by a method such as coating, printing, vapor deposition,
sputtering or a combination thereof to meet the customers' specific
needs. A protective overcoat may be applied onto the sealed
microcups or the second electrode layer to further improve the
optical or physicomechanical properties of the finished panel. The
finished display panel is then ready for module assembly.
[0021] This new product concept significantly simplifies the
manufacturing process and reduces cost. To enable this product
concept, an adhesive or sealing layer having a long green time
before lamination and high post curing rate after lamination onto
an electrode layer or substrate is highly desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The first aspect of the invention is directed to a
top-sealing or adhesive composition comprising a high dielectric
polymer or oligomer and a radiation curable composition. The
top-sealing or adhesive composition may be used in the partition
types including the microcup type of electrophoretic or liquid
crystal display or device in which the display fluid is filled and
top-sealed in the display cells constructed on a first substrate or
electrode layer. This display sealing process may be called the
"top sealing process". The display cells are top-sealed before a
second substrate or electrode layer is disposed thereon.
[0023] The second aspect of the invention is directed to an
electrophoretic or liquid crystal display or device having an
adhesive or top sealing layer which is formed from a composition
comprising a high dielectric polymer or oligomer and a radiation
curable composition.
[0024] The third aspect of the invention is directed to a variety
of "semi-finished panel"s having a sandwich-like structure. The
semi-finished panel comprises an array of filled and top-sealed
display cells which is sandwiched between a first electrode or
substrate layer and a temporary substrate such as a release
liner.
[0025] In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the array
of filled and top-sealed display cells may be formed on the first
electrode or substrate layer and the temporary substrate is
laminated over the filled and sealed display cells with an adhesive
layer of the present invention.
[0026] In a second embodiment, the array of filled and top-sealed
display cells may be formed on a temporary substrate and the first
electrode or substrate layer is laminated over the filled and
top-sealed display cells, with an adhesive layer of the present
invention.
[0027] In a third embodiment, the array of filled and top-sealed
display cells may be formed on the temporary substrate and the
first electrode or substrate layer is disposed onto the filled and
sealed display cells by a method such as coating, printing, vapor
deposition, sputtering or a combination thereof. In this
embodiment, the display cells are also sealed with a top-sealing
composition of the present invention.
[0028] In a fourth embodiment, the array of filled and top-sealed
display cells may be formed on the temporary substrate. An adhesive
layer of the present invention is coated onto the top-sealed
display cells and the first electrode or substrate layer is
disposed onto the filled and top-sealed display cells by a method
such as coating, printing, vapor deposition, sputtering or a
combination thereof.
[0029] In a fifth embodiment, the array of filled and top-sealed
display cells may be formed on the first electrode or substrate
layer and the temporary substrate is laminated over the filled and
sealed display cells, without an additional adhesive layer. In this
embodiment, the display cells are sealed with a top-sealing
composition of the present invention.
[0030] In a sixth embodiment, the array of filled and top-sealed
display cells may be formed on the temporary substrate and the
first electrode or substrate layer is laminated over the filled and
top-sealed display cells, without an additional adhesive layer. In
this embodiment, the display cells are also sealed with a
top-sealing composition of the present invention.
[0031] The fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a
semi-finished panel comprises an array of filled and top-sealed
display cells which is sandwiched between two temporary substrates.
The filled and top-sealed cells are formed on the first temporary
substrate. In one embodiment, the filled cells are sealed with a
top-sealing composition of the present invention and laminated onto
the second temporary substrate. In a second embodiment, an adhesive
composition of the present invention is used to laminate the second
temporary substrate onto the filled and top-sealed display cells.
To convert the semi-finished display panel to a finish panel, the
two temporary substrates are removed and two permanent substrate
layers, at least one of which comprises an electrode layer, are
laminated onto each side of the panel of filled and top-sealed
display cells. Alternatively, the permanent substrate or electrode
layer(s) may be disposed onto the filled and top-sealed cells by a
method such as printing, coating, vapor deposition, sputtering or a
combination thereof.
[0032] The fifth aspect of the invention is directed to processes
for the manufacture of semi-finished display panels and for
conversion of semi-finished display panels to finished display
panels.
[0033] The sixth aspect of the invention is directed to a process
for improving the adhesion and physicomechanical properties of an
electrophoretic or liquid crystal display or device, particularly
when the second substrate or electrode layer is opaque to radiation
or UV. The process comprises (1) activating by heat or radiation a
catalyst or photoinitiator in the adhesive or top-sealing/adhesive
layer of a semi-finished panel before or after the temporary
substrate is removed; (2) laminating the activated semi-finished
panel structure without the temporary substrate onto a second
substrate or electrode layer, and optionally (3) post curing the
finished display panel by heat or radiation. If radiation is used
to post cure the top-sealing/adhesive or adhesive layer, the
exposure may be accomplished through either side of the panel
optionally with the electric field turned on to reduce the optical
hiding effect of the electrophoretic fluid.
[0034] The seventh aspect of the invention is directed to a method
for improving the physicomechanical and electro-optical properties
of an electrophoretic or liquid crystal device or display which
method comprises forming on top of the display fluid a sealing
layer which comprises a high dielectric polymer or oligomer and a
radiation curable composition.
[0035] The eighth aspect of the invention is directed to a method
for improving the physicomechanical and electro-optical properties
of an electrophoretic or liquid crystal device or display which
method comprises adhering one element (e.g., an array of filled and
sealed display cells) of the display to another element (e.g., an
electrode or substrate layer) with an adhesive composition which
comprises a high dielectric polymer or oligomer and a radiation
curable composition.
[0036] The ninth aspect of the present invention is directed to the
use of a high dielectric polymer or oligomer and a radiation
curable composition as a top-sealing or adhesive layer to improve
the physicomechanical and electro-optical properties of an
electrophoretic or liquid crystal device or display.
[0037] The electrophoretic display may comprise display cells which
are filled with an electrophoretic fluid comprising charged pigment
particles dispersed in a dielectric solvent, particularly a
fluorinated dielectric solvent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 depicts a display cell prepared by the microcup
technology.
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts a typical jumbo roll of a semi-finished
display panel with temporary substrate and a finished active matrix
display prepared by a process comprising peeling off the temporary
substrate and subsequently laminating the panel onto a second
substrate or electrode layer such as a thin film transistor
(TFT).
[0040] FIGS. 3a-3d illustrate center areas of a top-sealing
layer.
[0041] FIGS. 4a-4d are cross-section view of the top-sealing
layer.
DEFINITIONS
[0042] Unless defined otherwise in this specification, all
technical terms are used herein according to their conventional
definitions as they are commonly used and understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art. Trade names are identified for materials
used and their sources are also given.
[0043] The term "Dmax" refers to the maximum optical density
achievable by a display.
[0044] The term "Dmin" refers to the minimum optical density
achievable by a display.
[0045] The term "contrast ratio" is defined as the ratio of the %
reflectance of an electrophoretic display at the Dmin state to the
% reflectance of the display at the Dmax state.
[0046] The term "display cell" is intended to encompass not only
display cells which are filled with an electrophoretic fluid but
also display cells which are filled with a liquid crystal
composition. In addition, the "display cells", in the context of
the present invention, preferably are the display cells prepared
from microcups according to any of the processes as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,930,818. While the plural form (i.e., display
cells) is used, the term is not intended to limit the scope of
protection. It is understood that a display may have multiple
display cells or one single display cell (e.g., a liquid crystal
display).
[0047] The term "top-sealing" is intended to refer to a sealing
process in which the display cells constructed on a first substrate
or electrode layer are filled and top-sealed. In the conventional
edge seal process, two substrates or electrode layers and an edge
seal adhesive are required to enclose and edge-seal the display
fluid in the cell(s). In contrast, in the top-sealing process, the
display fluid is enclosed and top-sealed before a second substrate
or electrode layer is disposed onto the display cell(s).
[0048] The term "display panel" is intended to refer to an array of
filled and sealed display cells which may be sandwiched between,
for example, two electrode layers, one electrode layer and one
substrate layer, one temporary substrate and one electrode layer,
one temporary substrate and one permanent substrate layer or two
temporary substrate layers.
[0049] The term "semi-finished display panel" is intended to refer
to an array of filled and top-sealed display cells which are
sandwiched between one temporary substrate layer and one electrode
layer, one temporary substrate layer and one substrate layer or two
temporary substrate layers. The temporary substrate layer is
removed before a second electrode layer or substrate layer is
laminated over the filled and sealed display cells.
[0050] The term "finished panel" is intended to refer to an array
of filled and top-sealed display cells which are sandwiched
between, for example, two electrode layers (e.g., one shown in FIG.
1) or one electrode layer and one substrate layer (e.g., a display
with an in plane switching mode).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] The first aspect of the invention is directed to a
composition comprising a high dielectric polymer or oligomer and a
radiation curable composition. The sealing or adhesive composition
may be used in the partition types including the microcup type of
electrophoretic or liquid crystal display or device in which the
display fluid is filled and top-sealed in the display cells
constructed on a first substrate or electrode layer. The display
cells are top-sealed before a second substrate or electrode layer
is disposed thereon.
[0052] When it is used as a top-sealing composition, a temporary
substrate or an electrode or permanent substrate layer may be
directly laminated over the filled and top-sealed display cells
without an adhesive layer. In other words, the top-sealing layer in
this case also serves as an adhesive layer. For clarity, this type
of top-sealing layer may be referred to as a "top-sealing/adhesive"
layer in the present application. The elimination of a separate
adhesive layer improves the switching performance of the display as
the thickness of the layer underneath the electrode layer is
reduced.
[0053] Alternatively, a separate adhesive layer of the present
invention may be coated over a sealing layer. In this case, the
sealing layer may or may not be formed from the composition of the
present invention. For example, it may be formed from a composition
as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,930,818 and 7,005,468, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
[0054] If it is used as an adhesive layer, the composition may be
coated either on the panel of filled and top-sealed display cells
or on a layer to be laminated over the panel (e.g., a temporary
substrate, an electrode layer or a permanent substrate layer)
before lamination. In this case, the top-sealing layer may have a
composition which is the same as that of the adhesive layer or
different from that of the adhesive layer. In the latter case, the
composition of the top-sealing layer may be one of those disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,930,818 and 7,005,468, the whole contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0055] The high dielectric polymers and oligomers the present
invention refers to polymers and oligomers having a dielectric
constant higher than that of the dielectric solvent used in the
display fluid (e.g. electrophoretic fluid and liquid crystal
composition). However, polymers having a very high dielectric
constant tend to be hydrophilic and may result in a poor
environmental stability, particularly under high humidity
conditions. For optimum performance, the dielectric constant of the
polymers or oligomers for this invention is preferably in the range
of 2.5-17, more preferably 3-15, measured at 18-27.degree. C. and
at less than or equal to 60 Hz. Among them, the colorless and
transparent polymers are the most preferred.
[0056] Examples may include, but are not limited to, polyurethanes,
polyureas, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyesters,
polycaprolactones, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethers, polyvinyl acetate
derivatives such as poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate], polyvinyl
fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl butyral,
polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), acrylic or
methacrylic copolymers, maleic anhydride copolymers, vinyl ether
copolymers, styrene copolymers, diene copolymers, siloxane
copolymers, cellulose derivatives, gum Arabic, alginate, lecithin,
polymers derived from amino acids, and the like. Suitable cellulose
derivatives may include, but are not limited to, hydroxyethyl
cellulose, propyl cellulose, cellulose acetate propionate,
cellulose acetate butyrate or the like and the graft copolymers
thereof. The composition of the present invention may comprise one
or more high dielectric polymers or oligomers.
[0057] The polymers and oligomers may have functional group(s) for
chain extension or crosslinking during or after lamination.
[0058] Among the polymers and oligomers mentioned above,
polyurethanes, polyureas, polycarbonates, polyesters and
polyamides, especially those comprising a functional group, are
particularly preferred because of their superior adhesion and
optical properties and high environmental resistance. Examples for
the functional groups may include, but are not limited to, --OH,
--SH, --NCO, --NCS, --NHR, --NRCONHR, --NRCSNHR, vinyl or epoxide
and derivatives thereof, including cyclic derivatives. The "R" in
the functional groups mentioned above may be hydrogen or alkyl,
aryl, alkylaryl or arylalkyl of up to 20 carbon atoms which alkyl,
aryl, alkylaryl or arylalkyl may be optionally substituted or
interrupted by N, S, O or a halogen. The "R" preferably is
hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl,
hydroxybutyl or the like.
[0059] Functionalized polyurethanes, such as hydroxyl terminated
polyester polyurethanes or polyether polyurethanes, isocyanate
terminated polyester polyurethanes or polyether polyurethanes or
acrylate terminated polyester polyurethanes or polyether
polyurethanes are particularly preferred.
[0060] The polyester polyols or polyether polyols used for the
synthesis of polyester polyurethanes or polyether polyurethanes may
include, but are not limited to, polycaprolactone, polyesters
(derived from, for examples, adipic acid, phthalate anhydride or
maleic anhydride), polyethylene glycol and its copolymers,
polypropylene glycol and its copolymers, and the like. Among the
polyester polyurethanes, the hydroxyl or isocyanate terminated
polyester polyurethanes, such as those from the IROSTIC series (by
Huntsman Polyurethanes) are some of the most preferred. Tables of
dielectric constants of typical commercially available polymers can
be found in literature such as "Electrical Properties of Polymers",
by C. C. Ku and R. Liepins; Hanser Publishers, 1993; and
"Prediction of Polymer Properties" 3.sup.rd. ed., by J. Bicerano;
Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2002. Some of them are listed in Table 1
below:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Dielectric Constants of Polymers (from
"Electrical Properties of Polymers", by C. C. Ku and R. Liepins,
Hanser Publishers, 1993) Temper- Fre- ature quency Polymers
.di-elect cons. (.degree. C.) (Hz) Polyvinyl alcohol/acetate),
0-1.5% 10.4 25 10.sup.3 acetate (Elvannol 50A-42) Polyether
polyurethane (based on 10 18 10 polyethylene oxide 600)
Polyurethane Elastomers 4.7-9.53 25 60 Polyfumaronitrile 8.5 26
10.sup.3 Poly (vinyl fluoride) 8.5 25 10.sup.3 Poly (vinylidene
fluoride) 8.4 25 10.sup.3 Melamine/formaldehyde resin 7.9 25 60
Cellulose nitrate 7.0-7.5 25 60 Polysulfide 7.3 25 60
Phenol/aniline/formaldehyde (Bakelite 7.15 24 10.sup.3 BT-48-306)
Chlorosulfonated polyethylene 7.0 25 60 Melamine/phenol resin 7.0
25 60 Methyl cellulose (Methocel) 6.8 22 10.sup.3 Poly
(urea/formaldehyde) 6.7 24 10.sup.3 Cellulose acetate butyrate
3.2-6.2 25 10.sup.3 Cellulose acetate propionate 3.2-6.2 25
10.sup.6 Phenol/aniline/formaldehyde (Durite 5.70 24 60 No. 221X)
Phenol/aniline/formaldehyde 4.50 25 10.sup.3 Cellulose triacetate
3.2-4.5 25 10.sup.3 Epoxy, standard (Bisphenol A) 4.02 25 60
Poly(methyl methacrylate)/polyvinyl 4.0 25 60 chloride)alloy Nylon
66 4.0 25 60 Nylon 6/12 4.0 25 60 Allyl diglycol carbonate 2.0-3.9
25 10.sup.4 Acetal(polyoxymethylene), Delrin 3.7 25 60 Nylon 6 3.7
25 Aniline-formaldehyde (Dilectene 100) 3.68 25 10.sup.3 Aromatic
polyester-imides 3.50 25 10.sup.3 Aromatic polyimides 3.5 25
10.sup.3 Acrylonitril-Butadiene-Styrene(ABS) 2.5-3.5 25 60 Aromatic
polyamideimides 3.32 25 10.sup.3 Poly (butadiene) 3.3 25 10.sup.6
Cellulose, regenerated (cellophane) 3.2 25 10.sup.3 Cellulose
propionate 3.2 25 10.sup.6 Cycloaliphatic epoxy resin 3.2 25 60
Poly(ethylene terephthalate), 3.2 25 10.sup.3 thermoplastic
Poly(butyl terephthalate) 3.2 25 100 Ethylene/vinyl acetate
copolymer 3.16 25 60 Aromatic polyethers 3.14 25 60 Aromatic
polysulfone 3.13 23 10.sup.3 Poly (methyl methacrylate), Plexiglas
3.12 27 10.sup.3 Ethyl cellulose, Ethocel LT-5 3.09 25 10.sup.3
Poly (vinyl chloride), chlorinated 3.08 25 60 Poly (vinyl acetate)
Elvacet 42A-900) 3.07 25 10.sup.3 Polysiloxane resin (methyl,
phenyl, 3.04 25 10.sup.3 and methylphenyl)
Poly(styrene/acrylonitrile) (SAN) 2.6-3.0 25 10.sup.4 Polycarbonate
2.99 25 10.sup.3 Methyl and methylphenyl polysiloxane 2.90 20
10.sup.3 (DC 550) Poly(ethyl methacrylate) 2.75 22 10.sup.3 Poly
(methyl methacrylate) 2.68 25 10.sup.3 Poly(butyl methacrylate)
2.62 24 100 Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1, 4-phenylene 2.6 25 10.sup.3 ether)
Fluorinated ethylene/propylene 2.0-2.5 25 10.sup.3 copolymer (FEP)
SBR (75% butadiene) 2.5 26 10.sup.3 Polystyrene 2.4 25 10.sup.3
Poly(98-99% isobutylene/1-2% 2.38 25 10.sup.3 isoprene) (GR-I;
butyl rubber) Polyethylene, ultra high MW 2.3 25 10.sup.3
Polyethylene, medium density 2.2 25 10.sup.3
Polytetrafluoroethylene 2.0 25 10.sup.3
[0061] The radiation curable composition comprises a radiation
curable monomer or oligomer. Examples of monomers and oligomers
suitable for the present invention may include, but are not limited
to, urethane acrylates, epoxy acrylates, polyester acrylates,
acrylic acrylates, glycidyl acrylates, cycloaliphatic epoxides,
acetylenes or vinyls such as vinyl benzenes, vinyl acrylates or
vinyl ethers, ally esters, polymers and oligomers comprising a
functional group mentioned above, and the like. The radiation
curable composition is preferably compatible with the high
dielectric polymer or oligomer which preferably comprises a
functional group that may be chemically bonded or grafted onto the
radiation curable resin matrix.
[0062] Commercially available radiation curable monomers or
oligomers include, but are not limited to, UV curable urethane
acrylate oligomers (e.g., CN983 from Sartomer), UV curable
polyester acrylate oligomer (e.g., Eb810 from UCB Chemical
Corporation), UV curable silicon acrylate oligomer (e.g., Eb1360
from UCB Chemical Corporation) and Silica Organosol, OG601-3
(Claritant Corporation).
[0063] In one embodiment, the multifunctional monomer or oligomer
may comprise a pendant or end-capped acrylate, methacryalate, epoxy
or vinyl group.
[0064] In another embodiment, the multifunctional monomer or
oligomer may be a low molecular weight polyurethane, polyepoxide,
polyester, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polycarbonate,
polystyrene or polyether.
[0065] In a further embodiment, the multifunctional monomer or
oligomer may have a molecular weight ranging from 300 to
20,000.
[0066] In yet another embodiment, the multifunctional monomer or
oligomer may be an aliphatic or aromatic urethane acrylate.
[0067] The radiation curable composition preferably is a good
plasticizer or diluent for the high dielectric polymer or
oligomer.
[0068] The total concentration of the high dielectric polymer or
oligomer in the sealing or adhesive layer is preferably in the
range of 3 to 95%, more preferably in the range of 30 to 75%, by
dry weight of the layer. The total concentration of the radiation
curable monomer or oligomer is preferably in the range of 1 to 50%,
more preferably in the range of 5 to 30%, by dry weight of the
layer.
[0069] The sealing or adhesive composition may be dissolved or
dispersed in a common solvent, in particular an organic solvent,
such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK),
cyclohexanone, acetone, butyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, ethyl
acetate, tetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,2-diethoxy ethane or a mixture
thereof. The solution typically is thoroughly mixed and degassed
immediately before coating.
[0070] The composition of the invention may further comprise a
crosslinking agent. Suitable crosslinking agents for
hydroxy-containing or amino-containing high dielectric polymers may
include, but are not limited to, multifunctional isocyanates or
isothiocyanates, multifunctional epoxides or polyaziridines, among
which aliphatic polyisocyanates (e.g., Desmodur N-100 from Bayer
and Irodur E-358 from Huntsman Polyurethane) and polyaziridines are
the most preferred.
[0071] Suitable crosslinking agents for multifunctional
epoxy-containing or isocyanate-containing high dielectric polymers
may include, but are not limited to, multifunctional alcohols and
amines such as butanediol, pentanediol, glycerol, triethanolamine,
trim ethylolpropane, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylene
diamine, ethylene diamine, diethylene triamine, Jeffermine,
polyimine and derivatives thereof.
[0072] When a hydroxyl terminated polyester polyurethane is used as
the high dielectric polymer and a polyisocyanate is used as the
crosslinking agent in the composition, the molar ratio of the
hydroxyl group of the hydroxyl terminated polyester polyurethane to
the isocyanate group of the polyisocyanate is preferably 1/10 to
10/1, more preferably 1.1/1 to 2/1.
[0073] While a crosslinking agent is present, a catalyst may also
be added to promote the crosslinking reaction. Suitable catalysts
may include, but are not limited to, organotin catalysts (e.g.,
dibutyl tin dilaurate, DBTDL), organozirconium catalysts (e.g.,
zirconium chelate 2,4-pentanedione, K-Kat XC-4205 and K-Kat XC-6212
from King Industry), bismuth catalysts (e.g., K-Kat348 also from
King Industry), with organotin and organozirconium catalysts being
the most preferred.
[0074] The concentration of the crosslinking agent is preferably in
the range of 1 to 20% by weight, more preferably in the range of 2
to 10% by weight, based upon the total dry weight of the polymer or
oligomer. The concentration of the catalyst is preferably in the
range of 0.1 to 5% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.2
to 3% by weight, based upon the total dry weight of the resin.
[0075] In another embodiment, part of the high dielectric polymer
or oligomer in the composition may be replaced with a radically or
photochemically graftable polymer. Suitable graftable polymers may
include, but are not limited to, cellulose derivatives such as
cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate
(CAP), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxybutyl cellulose (HBC),
hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), methyl cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl
cellulose (CMC) or copolymers thereof and polyvinyl alcohol
derivatives such as polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl butyral or
copolymers thereof. Polymers of a high glass transition temperature
(Tg) and high modules at the application conditions (temperature,
pressure, shear rate etc.) are preferred. Particularly preferred
polymers include cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate,
cellulose acetate propionate, polyvinyl acetal and copolymers
thereof.
[0076] The radically or photochemically graftable polymer or
copolymer may be about 5% to about 30% by weight, preferably about
10% to about 20% by weight, of the high dielectric polymer or
oligomer.
[0077] In this case, the composition may comprise a photoinitiator.
Suitable photoinitiators may include, but are not limited to,
benzophenone, ITX (isopropyl thioxanthone), BMS
(4(p-tolylthio)benzophenone) and others, for example, Irgacure 651,
907, 369 or 184 (from Ciba Specialty Chemicals). The
photoinitiator, if present, is usually in the amount of about 0.5%
to about 5%, preferably about 1% to about 3% by weight, based on
the total weight of the high dielectric polymer or oligomer,
radiation curable composition and the graftable polymer.
[0078] The graftable polymer containing composition is formed by
dissolving the high dielectric polymer or oligomer, the graftable
polymer and a photoinitiator, if present, in a solvent system as
described above.
[0079] If the composition is used as an adhesive, it may be coated
onto a temporary substrate, a second electrode layer or a substrate
layer. The coated temporary substrate, electrode layer or substrate
may then be laminated over the filled and top-sealed display cells
and the resultant semi-finished or finished panel may be post cured
as described below. In this case, the display cells may be
pre-sealed with a sealing layer as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,930,818, 6,795,138, 6,672,921, 6,933,098, 6,545,797 and
7,005,468, and US Publication Nos. 2004-0085619, and 2004-0170776
(now U.S. Pat. No. 7,141,279); all of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
[0080] The composition of this invention may also be used as a
top-sealing composition and the display cells may be filled and
top-sealed according to the one-pass or two-pass process as
disclosed in the above-mentioned applications. The composition,
when used as a sealing composition, preferably is incompatible with
the display fluid (e.g., electrophoretic fluid or liquid crystal
composition). The sealing composition may also have a specific
gravity which is not greater than that of the display fluid.
[0081] In the case that the top-sealing layer of the present
invention is thick or tacky enough to also serve as an adhesive
layer, the top-sealed and filled display cells may be laminated
directly onto a temporary substrate, a second electrode layer or a
substrate. Alternatively, a substrate or electrode layer may be
disposed onto the top-sealed microcups by a method such as coating,
printing, vapor deposition, sputtering or a combination thereof to
meet the customers' specific.
[0082] The top-sealing layer of the present invention may have a
thickness of less than 10 microns, preferably about 1 to about 8
microns, more preferably about 3 to about 6 microns, measured at
its center area. The center area ("CA") of a top sealing layer has
the size of only about 10%, preferably about 5%, of the total
surface area ("TA") of a top-sealing layer in each display cell,
discounting the wall area ("WA"). It should be noted that in FIGS.
3 and 4, the center areas are exaggerated for clarity. The center
area has the same shape as the top-sealing layer.
[0083] As also shown in FIG. 3, the shape of the top-sealing layer
may be regular or irregular.
[0084] FIGS. 3a and 3b show that the top-sealing layers have a
regular shape (square and hexagon respectively) and the center area
is an area surrounding the center point (CP) of the top-sealing
layer.
[0085] FIGS. 3c and 3d demonstrate that the top-sealing layers are
of irregular shapes. In this case, the center area (CA) located in
the center of the top-sealing layer has a size proportionally
reduced to about 10%, preferably about 5%, of the total area (TA)
of the top-sealing layer. The center areas therefore have the same
shape as the top-sealing layers.
[0086] The area on a top-sealing layer outside of the center area
is referred to as a non-center area (non-CA). FIGS. 4a-4d are the
cross-section view of top-sealing layers.
[0087] In FIGS. 4a and 4c, the top-sealing layer (40) extends over
the top of the partition walls (41). In FIGS. 4b and 4d, the
top-sealing layer (40) does not extend over the top of the
partition walls (41).
[0088] FIGS. 4a and 4b also show that the thickness of the
top-sealing layer is substantially uniform. In other words, the
non-center areas (Non-CA), like the center area, also have a
thickness of less than about 10 microns, preferably about 1 to
about 8 microns, more preferably about 3 to about 6 microns.
[0089] FIGS. 4c and 4d, on the other hand, show that the thickness
of the top-sealing layer is not uniform. In other words, at least
one portion of the non-center area may exceed 10 microns while the
center area remains at less than 10 microns in thickness.
[0090] The adhesive layer of the present invention may also have a
thickness of less than about 10 microns, preferably about 1 to
about 8 microns, more preferably about 1 to about 6 microns and
most preferably about 3 to about 6 microns.
[0091] These features are critical to a display device in which the
dielectric layer(s) (e.g., the adhesive and/or sealing layers) and
the display fluid are in the path of an electric field which drives
the display device (e.g., the dielectric layer(s) and the display
fluid are sandwiched between electrode layers). It is found that
the combination of the dielectric layer(s) formed from a material
having a high dielectric constant and the low thickness of the
dielectric layer(s) allows full function of a display device at low
voltages (e.g., below 20V).
[0092] By incorporating a radiation curable composition into the
adhesive/top-sealing or adhesive layer, the physicomechanical
properties of the display panel (e.g., a semi-finished or finished
display panel) may be built up rapidly during its manufacture by
radiation curing to form an interpenetrating network (IPN) or a
semi-interpenetrating network (Semi-IPN). The panel may be wound up
in a roll immediately after sealing. For a semi-finished panel
structure, upon removing the temporary substrate, the display panel
may be further exposed to radiation before, during or after
lamination of a second substrate or electrode layer. A very wide
process window is therefore achieved without trading off the
physicomechanical properties of the finished display panel.
[0093] The use of a radiation curable resin in the top-sealing
layer provides a crosslinking network via the rapid radiation
curing mechanism, which is more efficient and environmentally
acceptable than the thermal curing mechanism. Furthermore, the
combined use of a thermally curable high dielectric polymer or
oligomer and a radiation curable composition allows a dual cure
(thermal and radiation) mechanism to further improve the
physicomechanical properties of the finished display panel and
process latitude of its manufacture.
[0094] The composition of the present invention may further
comprise additives such as an organic solvent, plasticizer,
thickener, filler, colorant, antioxidant, photoinitiator, catalyst,
surfactant or the like.
[0095] The radiation curable composition may further comprise, in
addition to the monomer or oligomer, a binder, plasticizer,
photoinitiator, coinitiator, oxygen scavenger, thermal stabilizer,
filler, surfactant or the like.
[0096] In one embodiment of the invention, the radiation curable
composition may be a cationic type of UV curable composition. Its
advantage over the radical type of UV curable system is
insensitivity to oxygen and the long green time between the UV
exposure and the lamination step. Latent catalyst(s) may be
generated during the UV exposure step and activated during or after
the subsequent lamination step.
[0097] Another aspect of the invention is directed to an
electrophoretic or liquid crystal display or device having an
adhesive or top-sealing layer formed from a composition which
comprises a high dielectric polymer or oligomer and a radiation
curable composition as described above. The layer may also comprise
one or more additives as described above.
[0098] To streamline the display or device manufacturing process, a
variety of semi-finished panels having a sandwich-like structure
are useful. The semi-finished display panels comprise an array of
filled and top-sealed display cells which is sandwiched between a
first electrode or substrate layer and a temporary substrate or
between two temporary substrates. The temporary substrate such as a
release liner may be formed from a material selected from the group
consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate,
polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), paper and a laminated or
cladding film thereof. A silicone release coating may be applied
onto the temporary substrate to improve the release properties.
[0099] In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the array
of filled and top-sealed display cells may be formed on the first
electrode or substrate layer and the temporary substrate is
laminated over the filled and top-sealed display cells with an
adhesive layer of the present invention.
[0100] In a second embodiment, the array of filled and top-sealed
display cells may be formed on a temporary substrate and the first
electrode or substrate layer is laminated over the filled and
top-sealed display cells, with an adhesive layer of the present
invention.
[0101] In a third embodiment, the array of filled and top-sealed
display cells may be formed on the temporary substrate and the
first electrode or substrate layer is disposed onto the filled and
top-sealed display cells by a method such as coating, printing,
vapor deposition, sputtering or a combination thereof. In this
embodiment, the display cells are also top-sealed with a
top-sealing composition of the present invention.
[0102] In a fourth embodiment, the array of filled and top-sealed
display cells may be formed on the temporary substrate. An adhesive
layer of the present invention is coated onto the top-sealed
display cells and the first electrode or substrate layer is
disposed onto the filled and top-sealed display cells by a method
such as lamination, coating, printing, vapor deposition, sputtering
or a combination thereof.
[0103] In a fifth embodiment, the array of filled and top-sealed
display cells may be formed on the first electrode or substrate
layer and the temporary substrate is laminated over the filled and
top-sealed display cells, without an additional adhesive layer. In
this embodiment, the display cells are top-sealed with a
top-sealing composition of the present invention.
[0104] In a sixth embodiment, the array of filled and top-sealed
display cells may be formed on the temporary substrate and the
first electrode or substrate layer is laminated over the filled and
top-sealed display cells, without an additional adhesive layer. In
this embodiment, the display cells are also top-sealed with a
top-sealing composition of the present invention. In the third,
fifth and sixth embodiments, an adhesive layer of the present
invention may be optionally coated on the filled and top-sealed
display cells.
[0105] The semi-finished display panels may be prepared by process
as described below. In one embodiment, the process comprises (1)
preparing an array of filled and top-sealed display cells on an
electrode or substrate layer, (2) laminating a temporary substrate
or a release layer with adhesive layer of the present invention
onto the filled and top-sealed display cells, and (3) optionally
curing or hardening the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be
coated on the filled and top-sealed display cells or on the
temporary substrate. When converting this semi-finished display
panel to a finished display panel, a second electrode or substrate
layer may be disposed onto the filled and sealed display cells
after the temporary substrate is peeled off without removing the
adhesive layer. The second electrode or substrate layer may be
disposed onto the filled and sealed display cells by a method such
as lamination, coating, printing, vapor deposition, sputtering or a
combination thereof.
[0106] Another process comprises (1) preparing an array of filled
and top-sealed display cells on a temporary substrate, preferably a
transparent substrate, (2) laminating a first electrode or
substrate layer with an adhesive layer of the present invention
onto the filled and sealed display cells, and optionally (3) curing
or hardening the adhesive layer. Optionally the adhesive may be
coated on the electrode or substrate layer or on the filled and
top-sealed display cells before lamination. When converting this
semi-finished display panel to a finished display panel, a second
electrode or substrate layer precoated with an adhesive layer of
the present invention is laminated or disposed over the filled and
sealed display cells (on the side opposite from the sealing layer)
after the temporary substrate layer is peeled off. Alternatively,
the last lamination or disposition step may be accomplished with an
adhesive of the present invention coated onto the filled cells on
the opposite side from the sealing layer.
[0107] A further process comprises (1) preparing an array of
display cells on an electrode or substrate layer, (2) filling the
display cells, (3) top-sealing the filled display cells with a
top-sealing layer of the present invention, (4) laminating a
temporary substrate onto the filled and sealed display cells
without a separate adhesive layer, and optionally (5) curing or
hardening the top-sealing/adhesive layer. In this case, the
top-sealing layer may also serve as an adhesive layer.
Alternatively, an adhesive layer of the present invention may be
coated on the filled and top-sealed display cells or on the
temporary substrate before lamination. When converting such a
semi-finished display panel to a finished display panel, a second
electrode or substrate layer is laminated or disposed over the
filled and sealed display cells after the temporary substrate is
peeled off without removing the sealing/adhesive or the adhesive
layer.
[0108] Yet another process comprises (1) preparing an array of
display cells on a temporary substrate, (2) filling the display
cells, (3) top-sealing the filled display cells, (4) laminating a
first electrode or substrate layer onto the filled and sealed
display cells without a separate adhesive layer, and optionally (5)
curing or hardening the top-sealing/adhesive layer. In this
process, the top-sealing layer may be formed from a top-sealing
composition as disclosed in the co-pending applications identified
above or a top-sealing composition of the present invention. In the
latter case, the top-sealing layer also serves as an adhesive
layer. Optionally an adhesive layer of the present invention may be
coated on the filled and top-sealed display cells or on the
temporary substrate before lamination. When converting such a
semi-finished display panel to a finished display panel, a second
electrode or substrate layer pre-coated with an adhesive layer of
the present invention is laminated or disposed over the filled and
top-sealed display cells (on the side opposite from the sealing
layer) after the temporary substrate is peeled off.
[0109] Alternatively, the semi-finished panel may comprise an array
of filled and top-sealed display cells sandwiched between two
temporary substrates. The filled and top-sealed cells are formed on
the first temporary substrate. In one embodiment, the filled cells
are top-sealed with a top-sealing composition of the present
invention and laminated onto the second temporary substrate. In a
second embodiment, an adhesive composition of the present invention
is used to laminate the second temporary substrate onto the filled
and top-sealed cells. To convert the semi-finished display panel to
a finished display panel, the two temporary substrates are removed
and two permanent substrate layers, at least one of which comprises
an electrode layer are laminated or disposed over the filled and
top-sealed display cells.
[0110] In all of the processes described above, instead of
lamination, the second substrate or electrode layer may be disposed
onto the filled and top-sealed display cells by a method such as
coating, printing, vapor deposition, sputtering or a combination
thereof to meet the customers' specific needs. A protective
overcoat such as an antiglare protective coating or a color filter
layer may be applied onto the top-sealed display cells or onto the
second electrode layer to further improve the optical or
physicomechanical properties of the finished panel.
[0111] The conversion of a semi-finished panel to a finished
display panel is illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2a depicts a roll of
semi-finished display panel. FIG. 2b depicts a cross-sectional view
of a semi-finished display panel comprising an array of filled and
sealed display cells (20) sandwiched between a temporary substrate
(21) and a first electrode layer or substrate (22). The temporary
substrate (21) is laminated over the top-sealing/adhesive layer
(23) of the present invention, optionally with an additional
adhesive layer (23a) of the present invention. FIG. 2c depicts that
the temporary substrate (21) is peeled off without removing the
adhesive (23a) or top-sealing/adhesive layer (23). In FIG. 2d, a
second electrode layer (24, such as a TFT back plane) is laminated
onto the array of the filled and top-sealed display cells.
Alternatively, a substrate or electrode layer may be disposed onto
the top-sealed microcups by a method such as coating, printing,
vapor deposition, sputtering or a combination thereof to meet the
customers' specific needs.
[0112] In FIG. 2d, the first substrate or electrode layer (22) is
the viewing side whereas the second electrode layer (such as a TFT
backplane, 24) laminated onto the filled and top-sealed display
cells is the non-viewing side. It is also possible to view from the
other side (24) if a transparent second electrode layer (24) is
used.
[0113] The hardening or curing of the top-sealing/adhesive (23) or
adhesive layer (23a) may be accomplished by exposure to radiation
or UV through the second substrate (24). The resultant device may
be further post cured by heat or other curing mechanisms.
Alternatively, the hardening of the adhesive may be carried out by
(i) activating by heat or radiation a catalyst or photoinitiator in
the top-sealing/adhesive (23) or adhesive layer (23a) of a
semi-finished display panel before or after the temporary substrate
is peeled off, (ii) laminating the activated semi-finished panel
structure without the temporary substrate onto the second substrate
or electrode layer (24) and optionally (iii) post curing the
finished display panel by heat or radiation. This alternative
process is particularly useful when the second substrate or
electrode layer is opaque to radiation or UV. The exposure to
radiation may also be accomplished through the first substrate or
electrode layer optionally with the electric field turned on to
reduce the optical hiding effect of the electrophoretic fluid.
[0114] The present invention is also directed to a method for
improving the physicomechanical and electro-optical properties of
an electrophoretic or liquid crystal device or display which method
comprises forming on top of the display fluid a top-sealing layer
which comprises a high dielectric polymer or oligomer and a
radiation or UV curable composition.
[0115] The invention is also directed to a method for improving the
physicomechanical and electro-optical properties of an
electrophoretic or liquid crystal device or display which method
comprises adhering one element (e.g., an array of filled and
top-sealed display cells) in the display to another element (e.g.,
an electrode or substrate layer) with an adhesive composition which
comprises a high dielectric polymer or oligomer and a radiation or
UV curable composition.
[0116] Another aspect of the invention is directed to the use of a
high dielectric polymer or oligomer and a radiation curable
composition as the top-sealing or adhesive layer to improve the
physicomechanical and electro-optical properties of an
electrophoretic or liquid crystal device or display.
EXAMPLES
[0117] The following examples are given to enable those skilled in
the art to more clearly understand and to practice the present
invention. They should not be considered as limiting the scope of
the invention, but merely as being illustrative and representative
thereof.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 GLOSSARY Acronym Full Name Description
IP9820-20 IROSTIC P 9820-20 Hydroxyl terminated polyester
polyurethane, Huntsman Polyurethane, Viscosity 1800-2200 cps at
20.degree. C. Tg: -48.degree. C., Huntsman Polyurethane. IS9815-20
IROSTIC S 9815-20 Hydroxyl terminated polyester polyurethane,
Huntsman Polyurethane, Viscosity 1800-2000 cps at 20.degree. C. Tg:
-48.degree. C.; Huntsman Polyurethane. CAPA 6801 CAPA 6801 Hydroxyl
terminated polycaprolactone, Tri- Iso Company CAB -551- CAB
-551-0.2 Cellulose acetate butyrate, Eastman 0.2 Chemicals Company
B-98 B-98 Polyvinyl butyral, Solutia. E-8301 Ebecryl 8301 Hex
functional UV curable acrylated urethane oligomer; MW = 1000,
Viscosity 200 cps. UCB Chemical Corp. E-1290 Ebecryl 1290 Hex
functional UV curable acrylated urethane oligomer; MW = 1000,
Viscosity 2000 cps. UCB Chemical Corp. E-8807 Ebecryl 8807
Bi-functional UV curable acrylated urethane oligomer. Viscosity
7200 cps at 60.degree. C. MW = 1500; Tg 32.degree. C. UCB Chemical
Corp. Eb-810 Ebecryl 810 UV curable polyester oligomer; UCB
Chemical Corp. Eb-1360 Ebecryl 1360 UV curable silicone oligomer;
UCB Chemical Corp. CN983 CN983 Bi-functional UV curable acrylated
urethane oligomer. Viscosity 5000 cps at 60.degree. C. Tg
90.degree. C. SARTOMER. Loctite Loctite 3335 Single component epoxy
based adhesive 3335 Loctite Corporation DN-100 DESMODUR N-100 HDI,
aliphatic poly triisocyanate, NCO content: 22.1-22%; Bayer.
K-KAT348 K-KAT348 Bismium carboxylate 2-ethylhexane acid; King
Industry PI-369 IRGACURE369 Photo initiator. CiBa Specialty
Chemicals Corp. PI-907 IRGACURE 907 Photo initiator; CiBa Specialty
Chemicals Corp. Cyracure Cyracure .TM. Photoinitiator UVI-6974
photo-initiator UVI-6974 Union Carbide Corporation Orasol Blue
Solvent Blue 70 Phthalocyanine dye GL Ciba Specialty Chemicals,
Switzerland MEK Methylethylketone Solvent, Aldrich IPAc Isopropyl
acetate Solvent, Aldrich CHO Cyclohexanone Solvent, Aldrich MIBK
Methyl isobutyl ketone Solvent, Aldrich
Preparation 1
Preparation of Microcup Arrays
Preparation 1A Primer Coated Transparent Conductor Film
[0118] A primer coating solution containing 33.2 gm of EB 600.TM.
(UCB, Smyrna, Ga.), 16.12 gm of SR 399.TM. (Sartomer, Exton, Pa.),
16.12 gm of TMPTA (UCB, Smyrna, Ga.), 20.61 gm of HDODA (UCB,
Smyrna, Ga.), 2 gm of Irgacure.TM. 369 (Ciba, Tarrytown, N.Y.), 0.1
gm of Irganox.TM. 1035 (Ciba), 44.35 gm of poly(ethyl methacrylate)
(MW. 515,000, Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) and 399.15 gm of MEK was
mixed thoroughly and coated onto a 5 mil transparent conductor film
(ITO/PET film, 5 mil OC50 from CPFilms, Martinsville, Va.) using a
#4 drawdown bar. The coated ITO film was dried in an oven at
65.degree. C. for 10 minutes, and exposed to 1.8 J/cm.sup.2 of UV
light under nitrogen using a UV conveyer (DDU, Los Angles,
Calif.).
Preparation 1B Preparation of Microcups
TABLE-US-00003 [0119] TABLE 3 Microcup Composition Component Weight
Part Source EB 600 33.15 UCB SR 399 32.24 Sartomer HDDA 20.61 UCB
EB1360 6.00 UCB Hycar X43 8.00 BF Goodrich Irgacure 369 0.20 Ciba
ITX 0.04 Aldrich Antioxidant Ir1035 0.10 Ciba
[0120] 33.15 Gm of EB 600.TM. (UCB, Smyrna, Ga.), 32.24 gm of SR
399.TM. (Sartomer, Exton, Pa.), 6 gm of EB1360.TM. (UCB, Smyrna,
Ga.), 8 gm of Hycar 1300.times.43 (reactive liquid polymer, Noveon
Inc. Cleveland, Ohio), 0.2 gm of Irgacure.TM. 369 (Ciba, Tarrytown,
N.Y.), 0.04 gm of ITX (Isopropyl-9H-thioxanthen-9-one, Aldrich,
Milwaukee, Wis.), 0.1 gm of Irganox.TM. 1035 (Ciba, Tarrytown,
N.Y.) and 20.61 gm of HDDA (1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, UCB, Smyrna,
Ga.) were mixed thoroughly with a Stir-Pak mixer (Cole Parmer,
Vernon, Ill.) at room temperature for about 1 hour and debubbled by
a centrifuge at 2000 rpm for about 15 minutes.
[0121] The microcup composition was slowly coated onto a
4''.times.4'' electroformed Ni male mold for an array of 72 .mu.m
(length).times.72 .mu.m (width).times.35 .mu.m (depth).times.13
.mu.m (width of top surface of the partition wall between cups)
microcups. A plastic blade was used to remove excess of fluid and
gently squeeze it into "valleys" of the Ni mold. The coated Ni mold
was heated in an oven at 65.degree. C. for 5 minutes and laminated
with the primer coated ITO/PET film prepared in Preparation 1A,
with the primer layer facing the Ni mold using a GBC Eagle 35
laminator (GBC, Northbrook, Ill.) preset at a roller temperature of
100.degree. C., lamination speed of 1 ft/min and the roll gap at
"heavy gauge". A UV curing station with a UV intensity of 2.5
mJ/cm.sup.2 was used to cure the panel for 5 seconds. The ITO/PET
film was then peeled away from the Ni mold at a peeling angle of
about 30 degree to give a 4''.times.4'' microcup array on ITO/PET.
An acceptable release of the microcup array from the mold was
observed. The thus obtained microcup array was further post-cured
with a UV conveyor curing system (DDU, Los Angles, Calif.) with a
UV dosage of 1.7 J/cm.sup.2.
Preparation 2A
Preparation of R.sub.f-Amine
##STR00001##
[0123] 17.8 Gm of Krytox.RTM. methyl ester (DuPont, MW=about 1780,
g=about 10) was dissolved in a solvent mixture containing 12 gm of
1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (Aldrich) and 1.5 gm of
.alpha.,.alpha.,.alpha.-trifluorotoluene (Aldrich). The resultant
solution was added drop by drop into a solution containing 7.3 gm
of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (Aldrich) in 25 gm of
.alpha.,.alpha.,.alpha.-trifluorotoluene and 30 gm of
1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane over 2 hours with stirring at room
temperature. The mixture was then stirred for another 8 hours to
allow the reaction to complete. The IR spectrum of the crude
product clearly indicated the disappearance of C.dbd.O vibration
for methyl ester at 1780 cm.sup.-1 and the appearance of C.dbd.O
vibration for the amide product at 1695 cm.sup.-1. Solvents were
removed by rotary evaporation followed by vacuum stripping at
100.degree. C. for 4-6 hours. The crude product was then dissolved
in 50 mL of PFS2 solvent (perfluoropolyether from Ausimont) and
extracted with 20 mL of ethyl acetate three times, then dried to
yield 17 gm of purified product (R.sub.f-amine1900) which showed
excellent solubility in HT-200.
[0124] Other reactive R.sub.f amines having different molecular
weights such as R.sub.f-amine4900 (g=about 30), R.sub.r-amine2000
(g=about 11), R.sub.f-amine800 (g=about 4) and R.sub.f-amine650
(g=about 3) may also be synthesized according to the same
procedure.
Preparation 2B
Preparation of Electrophoretic Fluid
[0125] 9.05 Gm of Desmodur.RTM. N3400 aliphatic polyisocyanate
(from Bayer AG) and 0.49 gm of triethanolamine (99%, Dow) were
dissolved in 3.79 gm of MEK. To the resultant solution, 13 gm of
TiO.sub.2 R706 (DuPont) was added and homogenized for 2 minutes
with a rotor-stator homogenizer (IKA ULTRA-TURRAX T25, IKA WORKS)
at ambient temperature. A solution containing 1.67 gm of
1,5-pentanediol (BASF), 1.35 gm of polypropylene oxide (mw=725 from
Aldrich), 2.47 gm of MEK and 0.32 gm of a 2% dibutyltin dilaurate
(Aldrich) solution in MEK was added and further homogenized for 2
minutes. In the final step, 0.9 gm of R.sub.f-amine 4900 prepared
in Preparation 2A, in 40.0 gm of HT-200 (Ausimont) was added and
homogenized for 2 minutes, followed by addition of additional 0.9
gm of R.sub.f-amine 4900 in 33.0 gm of HT-200 and homogenization
for 2 minutes. A TiO.sub.2-containing microparticle dispersion with
low viscosity was obtained.
[0126] The microparticle dispersion obtained was heated at
80.degree. C. overnight and stirred under low shear to post-cure
the particles. The resultant microcapsule dispersion was filtered
through a 400-mesh (38 micrometer) screen and the solid content of
the filtered dispersion was measured to be 29% by weight with an
IR-200 Moisture Analyzer (Denver Instrument Company).
[0127] The average particle size of the filtered dispersion was
measured with the Beckman Coulter LS230 Particle Analyzer to be
about 1.about.2 .mu.m.
Preparation 3
Filling and Top-Sealing Microcups
[0128] 1 Gm of an electrophoretic fluid containing 6% by weight
(dry weight) of the TiO.sub.2-containing microparticles prepared
according to Preparation 2 and 1.3% by weight of a perfluorinated
Cu-phthalocyanine dye (CuPc-C.sub.8F.sub.17) in HT-200 (Ausimont)
was filled into the 4''.times.4'' microcup array prepared from
Preparation 1B using a #0 drawdown bar. The excess of fluid was
scraped away by a rubber blade.
##STR00002##
[0129] A sealing composition as described in each example below was
then overcoated onto the filled microcups using a Universal Blade
Applicator with a targeted thickness of about 5.about.6 microns.
The top-sealed microcup array was hardened as specified in each
Example below.
Preparation 4
Lamination of Electrode Layer
[0130] Unless specified in each Example below, a second 5 mil
ITO/PET layer was laminated directly onto the sealed microcups
without a separate adhesive layer by a laminator at 120.degree. C.
at a linear speed of 20 cm/min.
[0131] The contrast ratio of the resultant display was measured by
using a GretagMacbeth.TM. Spectrolino spectrometer with a square
electrical waveform at different voltages.
Examples 1-4
Comparative Example 1
[0132] A top-sealing/adhesive composition consisting of 13.46 parts
(dry) by weight of polyurethane IP9820-20, 0.54 parts (dry) by
weight of polyisocyanate DN-100, and 0.14 parts (dry) by weight of
catalyst K-KAT348 was dissolved in 43 parts by weight of MEK, 34.4
parts by weight of IPAc, and 8.6 parts by weight of cyclohexanone
(CHO), and de-bubbled in a sonic bath for 1 minute before use.
[0133] The top-sealing solution was overcoated onto the filled
microcups prepared according to the first part of Preparation 3
with a doctor blade, air-dried for 10 minutes and heated in an
80.degree. C. oven for 2 minutes to form a seamless sealing on the
filled microcup array. The top-sealed microcup array was laminated
directly onto an ITO/PET film (5 mil) as described in Preparation
4, followed by post curing at 80.degree. C. for 60 minutes and
continued post curing at 65.degree. C. overnight.
[0134] The contrast ratios at 20, 30 and 40 volts were measured to
be 5.8, 11.8, and 12.6, respectively.
Example 2
[0135] The same procedures of top-sealing and lamination of
Comparative Example 1 was followed except that the
top-sealing/adhesive composition further comprises 0.7 parts (dry)
by weight of a UV curable polyurethane oligomer (CN983) and 0.07
parts (dry) by weight of Irgacure 907.
[0136] After lamination, the sample was allowed to be UV cured by
passing through a UV conveyer twice at the speed of 10 ft/min with
intensity of 2.56 W/cm.sup.2 (which is equivalent to 0.856
J/cm.sup.2), followed by post curing at 80.degree. C. for 60
minutes and continued post curing at 65.degree. C. overnight.
[0137] The contrast ratios at 20, 30 and 40 volts were measured to
be 9.8, 12.6, and 13.8, respectively. The UV curable
top-sealing/adhesive composition showed significant improvement in
contrast ratios in all voltages tested.
Example 3
[0138] The same procedures of sealing and lamination of Comparative
Example 1 was followed except that the top-sealing/adhesive
composition further comprises 1.4 parts (dry) by weight of a UV
curable polyurethane oligomer (CN983) and 0.07 parts (dry) by
weight of Irgacure 907. After lamination, the sample was allowed to
be UV cured by passing through a UV conveyer twice at the speed of
10 ft/min with intensity of 2.56 W/cm.sup.2 (which is equivalent to
0.856 J/cm.sup.2), followed by post curing at 80.degree. C. for 60
minutes and continued post curing at 65.degree. C. overnight.
[0139] The contrast ratios at 20, 30 and 40 volts were measured to
be 12.3, 15.1, and 16.2, respectively. The UV curable
top-sealing/adhesive composition showed significant improvement in
contrast ratios in all voltages tested.
Example 4
[0140] The same procedures of top-sealing and lamination of
Comparative Example 1 was followed except that the
top-sealing/adhesive composition further comprises 2.8 parts (dry)
by weight of a UV curable polyurethane oligomer (CN983) and 0.07
parts (dry) by weight of Irgacure 907. After lamination, the sample
was allowed to be UV cured by passing through a UV conveyer twice
at the speed of 10 ft/min with intensity of 2.56 W/cm.sup.2 (which
is equivalent to 0.856 J/cm.sup.2), followed by post curing at
80.degree. C. for 60 minutes and continued post curing at
65.degree. C. overnight.
[0141] The contrast ratios at 20, 30 and 40 volts were measured to
be 11.2, 12.6, and 13.2 respectively. It is evident from Examples
1-4 that all the sealing/adhesive composition comprising a UV
curable polyurethane acrylate showed significant improvement in
contrast ratios in all voltages tested. It was also found from a
peeling test that the adhesion between the top-sealed microcup
array and the second ITO/PET layer was improved significantly. The
UV curable oligomer/monomer also appeared to significantly improve
the contact between the filled/sealed microcups and the second
ITO/PET layer.
Examples 5-7
Temperature Latitude
[0142] A thermoelectric module was used to control the operating
temperature of the display for the temperature latitude study at
.+-.20V, 0.2 Hz. An incoming light from an optical fiber cable was
illuminated onto the display sample at 45.degree. angle. The
reflecting light was collected at 90.degree. angle (normal to the
display surface) and the signal detected by a photoelectric
detector was displayed on the screen of an oscilloscope. The
optical signal intensities at various operation temperatures from
20.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. were recorded and normalized to the
signal measured at 20.degree. C.
Comparative Example 5
[0143] A top-sealing/adhesive composition consisting of 12.48 parts
(dry) by weight of polyurethane IP9820-20, 0.52 parts (dry) by
weight of polyisocyanate DN-100, and 0.13 parts (dry) by weight of
catalyst K-KAT348 was dissolved in 60.8 parts by weight of MEK,
21.7 parts by weight of IPAc, and 4.3 parts by weight of CHO, and
de-bubbled in a sonic bath for 1 minute before use.
[0144] The procedure of display sample preparation is the same as
that of Comparative Example 1. A contrast ratio of 11.48 was
obtained at 20V/20.degree. C. and the normalized optical signal
intensity at 20, 50 and 80.degree. C. were measured to be 100, 86,
and 78, respectively.
Example 6
[0145] The same procedures of top-sealing and lamination of
Comparative Example 5 was followed except that the
top-sealing/adhesive composition further comprises 1.95 parts (dry)
by weight of a UV curable polyurethane oligomer (E8807) and 0.09
parts (dry) by weight of Irgacure 907. After lamination, the sample
was allowed to be UV cured by passing through a UV conveyer twice
at the speed of 10 ft/min with intensity of 2.56 W/cm.sup.2 (which
is equivalent to 0.856 J/cm.sup.2), followed by post curing at
80.degree. C. for 60 minutes and continued post curing at
65.degree. C. overnight.
[0146] A contrast ratio of 11.0 was obtained at 20V/20.degree. C.
Although the contrast ratio was comparable to that of Comparative
Example 5, a significant improvement in temperature latitude was
achieved by incorporating the radiation curable ingredients in the
sealing/adhesive composition. The normalized optical signal
intensity at 20, 50 and 80.degree. C. were measured to be 100, 96,
and 90, respectively.
Example 7
[0147] The same procedures of top-sealing and lamination of
Comparative Example 5 was followed except that the
top-sealing/adhesive composition further comprises 2.6 parts (dry)
by weight of a UV curable polyurethane oligomer (CN983) and 0.09
parts (dry) by weight of Irgacure 907. After lamination, the sample
was allowed to be UV cured by passing through a UV conveyer twice
at the speed of 10 ft/min with intensity of 2.56 W/cm.sup.2 (which
is equivalent to 0.856 J/cm.sup.2), followed by post curing at
80.degree. C. for 60 minutes and continued post curing at
65.degree. C. overnight.
[0148] A contrast ratio of 10.7 was obtained at 20V/20.degree. C.
Although the contrast ratio was comparable to that of Comparative
Example 5, a significant improvement in temperature latitude was
achieved by incorporating the radiation curable ingredients in the
top-sealing/adhesive composition. The normalized optical signal
intensity at 20, 50 and 80.degree. C. were measured to be 100, 98,
and 100, respectively.
[0149] It is evident from Examples 5.about.7 that all the
sealing/adhesive composition comprising a UV curable polyurethane
acrylate showed significantly wider operation temperature latitude.
It was also found from a peeling test that the adhesion between the
sealed microcup array and the second ITO/PET layer was improved
significantly.
Examples 8-11
Temperature Latitude, Green Time and High Speed Hardening
Process
Comparative Example 8
[0150] A top-sealing/adhesive composition containing of 15 parts
(dry) by weight of polyurethane IS9815-20 dissolved in 70 parts by
weight of MEK was de-bubbled in a sonic bath for 1 minute before
use.
[0151] The sealing solution was overcoated onto the filled
microcups prepared according to Preparation 3 with a doctor blade,
air-dried for 10 minutes and heated in an 80.degree. C. oven for 2
minutes to form a seamless sealing on the filled microcup array.
The top-sealed microcup array was laminated directly onto a 5 mil
ITO/PET film as described in Preparation 4.
[0152] The contrast ratio at 20V/20.degree. C. was too low to be
measured by the GretagMacbeth Spectrolino spectrometer, and the
normalized optical signal intensities at 20, 50 and 80.degree. C.
were measured to be 100, 24, and 10, respectively.
Example 9
[0153] A top-sealing/adhesive composition consisting of 9.1 parts
(dry) by weight of polyurethane IS9815-20, 3.9 parts by weight of
CN983, and 0.08 parts by weight of Irgacure 907 was dissolved in
41.3 parts by weight of MEK, 41.3 parts by weight of IPAc, and 4.3
parts by weight of CHO. The resultant solution was de-bubbled in a
sonic bath for 1 minute before use.
[0154] The procedure of display sample preparation is the same as
that of Comparative Example 8. After lamination, the sample was
further UV cured by passing through a UV conveyer twice at the
speed of 10 ft/min with a UV intensity of 2.56 W/cm.sup.2 (which is
equivalent to 0.856 J/cm.sup.2).
[0155] Significant improvements in both contrast ratio and
temperature latitude were achieved by incorporating the UV curable
ingredients in the top-sealing/adhesive layer. A contrast ratio of
11.0 at 20V/20.degree. C. and normalized optical signal intensities
of 100, 83, and 62 were obtained at 20, 50 and 80.degree. C.,
respectively.
Example 10
[0156] The same procedures of Example 9 were followed except that
the top-sealing/adhesive solution was replaced by a solution
containing 10.4 parts (dry) by weight of IS9815-20, 2.8 parts (dry)
by weight of E8301, 0.08 parts (dry) by weight of Irgacure 907,
41.3 parts by weight of MEK, 41.3 parts by weight of IPAc, and 4.3
parts by weight of CHO.
[0157] Significant improvements in both contrast ratio and
temperature latitude were achieved by incorporating the UV curable
ingredients in the top-sealing/adhesive layer. A contrast ratio of
12.0 at 20V/20.degree. C. and normalized optical signal intensities
of 100, 86, and 66 were obtained at 20, 50 and 80.degree. C.,
respectively.
Example 11
[0158] The same procedures of Example 9 were followed except that
the top-sealing/adhesive solution was replaced by a solution
containing 9.75 parts (dry) by weight of IS9815-20, 2.6 parts (dry)
by weight of CN983, 0.65 parts by weight of E8301, 0.04 parts (dry)
by weight of Irgacure 907, 0.04 parts by weight of Irgacure 369,
41.3 parts by weight of MEK, 41.3 parts by weight of IPAc, and 4.3
parts by weight of CHO.
[0159] Significant improvements in both contrast ratio and
temperature latitude were achieved by incorporating the UV curable
ingredients in the sealing/adhesive layer. A contrast ratio of 11.7
at 20V/20.degree. C. and normalized optical signal intensities of
100, 91, and 87 were obtained at 20, 50 and 80.degree. C.,
respectively.
[0160] It is evident from Examples 8.about.11 that all the
top-sealing/adhesive composition comprising a UV curable
polyurethane acrylate showed a significant wider operation
temperature latitude. It was also found from a peeling test that
the adhesion between the sealed microcup array and the second
ITO/PET layer was improved significantly. No detectable change in
the rheology properties of the sealing solution was found after
several days. Moreover, no time-consuming thermal post curing was
needed for Examples 9.about.11 in which the hardening of the
sealing layer after lamination could be completed at a conveyer
speed of 10 ft/min.
Examples 12-13
Semi-finished Display Panels
Example 12
Radical Type of UV Curable Adhesive and Sealing Layers
[0161] A top-sealing solution containing 11.9 parts (dry) by weight
of polyurethane IS9815-20, 2.1 parts by weight of CN983, 0.1 parts
by weight of Irgacure 907, 40.8 parts by weight of MEK, and 40.8
parts by weight of IPAc, and 4.3 parts by weight of CHO was
prepared and de-bubbled in a sonic bath for 1 minute before use. A
microcup array was filled and top-sealed as described in
Comparative Example 1. The targeted (dry) thickness of the sealing
layer was about 3-4 microns.
[0162] The top-sealed microcup array was cut into identical two
pieces. One of them was laminated directly onto an ITO/PET film (5
mil) as described in Preparation 4. After lamination, the sample
was allowed to be UV cured by passing through a UV conveyer twice
at the speed of 10 ft/min with intensity of 2.56 W/cm.sup.2 (which
is equivalent to 0.856 J/cm.sup.2). This piece was used as control
in performance evaluation. The contrast ratios at 10, 20, 30 and 40
volts were measured to be 4, 8, 15, and 15, respectively.
[0163] The other half of the top-sealed microcup array was used to
prepare the semi-finished display panel structure. It was laminated
first with a 3M 5002 temporary substrate and cured in a UV conveyor
(DDU, Los Angles, Calif., dosage: 1.712 J/cm.sup.2) at room
temperature. The temporary substrate was removed after the UV
exposure.
[0164] An adhesive composition containing 4.0 parts (dry) by weight
of polyurethane IP9820-15, 1 part by weight of Ebercry 1290, 0.075
parts by weight of Irgacure 907, 85.5 parts by weight of MEK, and
9.5 parts by weight of CHO was mixed thoroughly and sonicated for 5
minutes before use. The solution was coated with a #12 wired rod
(targeted thickness of about 1.5 microns) onto a 3M 5002 temporary
substrate and dried in an oven at 65.degree. C. for 10 min.
[0165] The sandwich structure of temporary
substrate/adhesive/top-sealed microcup array was prepared by
laminating the adhesive coated temporary substrate onto the filled
and sealed microcup array at 80.degree. C.
[0166] The resultant sandwich structure and an ITO/glass plate were
preconditioned at 80.degree. C. for at least 2 min. To complete the
EPD assembly, the temporary substrate was removed from the sandwich
structure and the top-sealed microcup array/adhesive was
subsequently laminated onto the ITO/glass plate at 80.degree. C.
The EPD panel was further post cured from the ITO/glass side using
a DDV UV conveyor system with a dosage of 0.86 J/cm.sup.2. The
contrast ratios driven at 10, 20, 30, and 40 volts were measured to
be 5, 12, 15, and 15, respectively. The additional adhesive layer
in the semi-finished display panel resulted in a better lamination
quality with a slightly better display panel performance
deterioration, particularly at low voltage driving. Moreover, the
release/adhesive/top-sealed microcups has shown satisfactory
lamination properties even after the sandwich structure of
temporary substrate/adhesive/top-sealed microcup array was aged at
40.degree. C. for more than a week.
Example 13
Cationic UV Curable Adhesive
[0167] A top-sealing solution containing 14.26 parts (dry) by
weight of polyurethane IS9815-20, 0.59 parts by weight of DN100,
0.15 parts by weight of catalyst K-KAT348, 57.05 parts by weight of
MEK, and 27.95 parts of IPAc was prepared and de-bubbled in a sonic
bath for 1 minute before use. A microcup array was filled and
top-sealed as described in Comparative Example 1. The targeted
(dry) thickness of the sealing layer was about 3.about.4
microns.
[0168] The top-sealed microcup array was cut into identical two
pieces. One of them was laminated directly onto an ITO/PET film (5
mil) as described in Preparation 4. After lamination, the sample
was post cured for 1 hour in an oven at 80.degree. C. followed by
12 hours at 65.degree. C. This piece was used as control in
performance evaluation. The contrast ratios at 10, 20, 30 and 40
volts were measured to be 5, 8, 9 and 9, respectively.
[0169] The other half of the top-sealed microcup array was used to
prepare the semi-finished display panel structure.
[0170] An adhesive composition containing 5.97 parts (dry) by
weight of polyurethane IS9820-15, 3.98 parts by weight of Loctite
3335, 0.52 parts by weight of Cyracure UVI-6974, and 89.53 parts by
weight of MEK, was mixed thoroughly and sonicated for 5 minutes
before use. The solution was coated with a #6 wired rod (targeted
thickness of about 1.5 microns) onto a 3M 5002 temporary substrate
and dried in an oven at 65.degree. C. for 10 min.
[0171] A sandwich structure of temporary
substrate/adhesive/top-sealed microcup array was prepared by
laminating the adhesive coated temporary substrate onto the filled
and sealed microcup array at 120.degree. C.
[0172] The resultant sandwich structure and an ITO/glass plate were
preconditioned at 80.degree. C. for at least 2 min. To complete the
EPD assembly, the temporary substrate was removed from the sandwich
structure and the top-sealed microcup array/adhesive was exposed to
1.08 J/cm2 of UV light in a DDV UV conveyor, stored in open air for
30 min, and subsequently laminated onto the ITO/glass plate at
120.degree. C. The resultant EPD panel was further post cured in an
oven for 1.5 hours at 80.degree. C., followed by 12 hours at
65.degree. C. The contrast ratios driven at 10, 20, 30, and 40
volts were measured to be 5, 7, 8, and 9, respectively. The
additional adhesive layer resulted in a better lamination quality
without any significant performance (contrast) deterioration. The
release/adhesive/top-sealed microcups have shown satisfactory
lamination properties even after the sandwich structure of
temporary substrate/adhesive/top-sealed microcup array was aged at
40.degree. C. for more than a week. A green time of more than 12
hours at room temperature plus 30 minutes at 80.degree. C. between
the UV exposure step (after the temporary substrate was peeled off
from the sandwich) and the subsequent lamination step was also
observed.
Example 14
[0173] A top-sealing composition consisting of 11.6 parts (dry) by
weight of CAPA 6806 (hydroxyl terminated polycaprolactones, from
Tri-Iso), 2.3 parts (dry) by weight of a UV curable urethane
acrylate oligomer (CN983) and 0.16 parts (dry) by weight of a
photoinitiator, Irgacure 907, was dissolved in 82 parts by weight
of MEK and de-bubbled in a sonic bath for 1 minute before use.
[0174] The sample was subject to continuous switching under an
electric field of 1.5 volt/pm under 50.degree. C. and 80% relative
humidity. The contrast ratio of the sample was measured for each
period of time to monitor the percentage of contrast ratio change
throughout the entire switching period. From the test results,
almost no degradation in contrast ratio was observed after 40 hours
of continuous switching.
Example 15
[0175] A top-sealing composition consisting of 5.8 parts (dry) by
weight of polyurethane IS9815-20, 5.8 parts (dry) by weight of CAPA
6806, 2.3 parts (dry) by weight of a UV curable urethane acrylate
oligomer (CN983) and 0.16 parts (dry) by weight of a photo
initiator, Irgacure 907, was dissolved in a mixture of 40.8 parts
by weight of MEK, 40.8 parts by weight of IPAc and 4.4 parts by
weight of cyclohexanone (CHO), and de-bubbled in a sonic bath for 1
minute before use.
[0176] The sample was subject to continuous switching under an
electric field of 1.5 volt/pm under 50.degree. C. and 80% relative
humidity. The contrast ratio of the sample was measured for each
period of time to monitor the percentage of contrast ratio change
throughout the entire switching period. From the test results,
almost no degradation in contrast ratio was observed after 40 hours
of continuous switching.
Example 16
[0177] A top-sealing composition consisting of 11.90 parts by (dry)
weight of polyurethane IS9815-20, 0.63 parts by (dry) by weight of
B-98 (polyvinyl butyral from Solutia), 2.5 parts by (dry) weight of
a polyester acrylate UV curable oligomer (Eb810), 0.63 parts by
(dry) weight of a silicon acrylate UV curable oligomer (Eb1360) and
0.08 parts by (dry) weight of a photoinitiator, Irgacure 907, was
dissolved in 84.26 parts by weight of MEK and de-bubbled in a sonic
bath for 1 minute before use.
[0178] The contrast ratio and electro-optic response time of the
sample were measured. Compared to the sample without B-98, the
contrast ratio and response time of EPD were improved.
[0179] While the present invention has been described with
reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made
to adapt a particular situation, materials, compositions,
processes, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and
scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended
to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *