U.S. patent application number 17/455499 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-10 for inkjet printing systems and techniques for light-emitting devices with enhanced light outcoupling.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kateeva, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Kateeva, Inc.. Invention is credited to Florian Pschenitzka.
Application Number | 20220077428 17/455499 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220077428 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pschenitzka; Florian |
March 10, 2022 |
Inkjet Printing Systems and Techniques for Light-Emitting Devices
with Enhanced Light Outcoupling
Abstract
The present teachings relate to various embodiments of ink
compositions, which once printed and cured on a substrate form a
continuous composite film layer that includes a first pattern of
polymeric areas having a first refractive index (RI) interspersed
within a second pattern of polymeric areas having an RI that is
higher in comparison to the RI of the first pattern of polymeric
areas. Various embodiments of composite thin films so formed on a
substrate can be tuned so as to enhance light outcoupling or
extraction for various light-emitting devices of the present
teachings, such as, but not limited by, an OLED display or lighting
device.
Inventors: |
Pschenitzka; Florian; (San
Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kateeva, Inc. |
Newark |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kateeva, Inc.
Newark
CA
|
Appl. No.: |
17/455499 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
17029628 |
Sep 23, 2020 |
|
|
|
17455499 |
|
|
|
|
15900666 |
Feb 20, 2018 |
10847756 |
|
|
17029628 |
|
|
|
|
62461186 |
Feb 20, 2017 |
|
|
|
International
Class: |
H01L 51/52 20060101
H01L051/52; B41J 2/04 20060101 B41J002/04; B41M 5/00 20060101
B41M005/00; H01L 51/00 20060101 H01L051/00; C09D 11/30 20060101
C09D011/30; C09D 11/107 20060101 C09D011/107; C09D 11/101 20060101
C09D011/101 |
Claims
1. An optoelectronic device comprising: a material layer that forms
part of the optoelectronic device, the material layer comprising a
first material; a composite polymeric film on the material layer,
the composite polymeric film comprising a first pattern of
polymeric areas and a second pattern of polymeric areas, wherein
the polymeric areas of the first pattern of polymeric areas have a
lenslet shape and are in direct physical contact with the material
layer, and the polymeric areas of the second pattern of polymeric
areas are in direct physical contact with the material layer; and a
film layer over the composite polymeric film, wherein the polymeric
areas of the first pattern of polymeric areas have refractive
indices that are closer to the refractive index of the material
layer than to the refractive index of the film layer, and further
wherein the polymeric areas of the second pattern of polymeric
areas have refractive indices that are closer to the refractive
index of the film layer than to the refractive index of the
material layer.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the refractive index of the
material layer is in the range from 1.45 to 1.5.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the refractive indices of the
polymeric areas of the first pattern of polymeric areas are in the
range from 1.45 to 1.5.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the refractive index of the film
layer is in the range from 1.6 to 1.9.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the refractive indices of the
polymeric areas of the second pattern of polymeric areas are in the
range from 1.6 to 1.9.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the polymeric areas of the first
pattern of polymeric areas comprise a polymerization product of an
acrylate monomer, a methacrylate monomer, or combinations
thereof.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the polymeric areas of the second
pattern of polymeric areas comprise the polymerization product of
an acrylate monomer, a methacrylate monomer, or combinations
thereof, and nanoparticles.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the optoelectronic device is an
organic light emitting diode.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first material is glass.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first material is a
polymeric material.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the polymeric areas of the first
pattern of polymeric areas are in direct physical contact with the
film layer and the polymeric areas of the second pattern of
polymeric areas are in direct physical contact with the film
layer.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the polymeric areas of the first
pattern of polymeric areas are dome-shaped.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the film layer comprises metal
nanowires.
14. The device of claim 7, wherein the nanoparticles comprise
zirconium oxide nanoparticles, titanium oxide nanoparticles, or
aluminum oxide nanoparticles.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the film layer comprises metal
nanowires.
16. An optoelectronic device comprising: a material layer that
forms part of the optoelectronic device, the material layer
comprising a first material; a composite polymeric film on the
material layer, the composite polymeric film comprising a first
pattern of polymeric lenslet areas and a second pattern of
polymeric areas, wherein the polymeric areas of the second pattern
of polymeric areas are in direct physical contact with the material
layer and comprise the polymerization product of an acrylate
monomer, a methacrylate monomer, or combinations thereof, and
nanoparticles; and an anode comprising metal nanowires over the
composite polymeric film, wherein the polymeric areas of the first
pattern of polymeric areas are in direct physical contact with the
material layer and have refractive indices that are closer to the
refractive index of material layer than to the refractive index of
the anode, and further wherein the polymeric areas of the second
pattern of polymeric areas have refractive indices that are closer
to the refractive index of the anode than to the refractive index
of the material layer.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the nanoparticles comprise
zirconium oxide nanoparticles, titanium oxide nanoparticles, or
aluminum oxide nanoparticles.
18. The device of claim 16, wherein the lenslet areas are
dome-shaped.
19. The device of claim 16, wherein the polymeric areas of the
second pattern of polymeric areas have a refractive index that
matches the refractive index of the anode.
20. The device of claim 16, wherein the first material is glass or
a polymeric material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 17/029,628, filed on filed on Sep. 23, 2020,
which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/900,666 filed on Feb. 20, 2018, which claims the priority
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/461,186 filed
on Feb. 20, 2017, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
OVERVIEW
[0002] Various light-emitting devices, such as various OLED display
devices or OLED lighting devices, have architectures that include
numerous functional layers surrounding a light-emitting layer. Such
functional layers may have different refractive indices that create
wave-guiding due to internal reflection within discrete layers
defining the device architecture, thereby reducing the emission of
light from the light-emitting device.
[0003] The present inventors have recognized that inkjet printing
techniques can be used to provide light-emitting devices that
enhance the outcoupling of light from the device, thereby enhancing
device performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] A better understanding of the features and advantages of the
present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the
accompanying drawings, which are intended to illustrate, not limit,
the present teachings. In the drawings, which are not necessarily
drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in
different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may
represent different instances of similar components.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates generally a schematic of a display device
according to various embodiments of techniques and devices of
present teachings.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates generally a process flow and device
according to various embodiments of techniques and devices of
present teachings.
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts an expanded view of the device of FIG. 2,
additionally illustrating enhanced light outcoupling according to
the present teachings.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates generally a process flow and device
according to various embodiments of techniques and devices of
present teachings.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a table illustrating generally monomers that can
be used to prepare various embodiments of inks of the present
teachings.
[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart for a method of formulating
various ink compositions according to the present teachings.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates generally an exemplary printing system
according to various embodiments of systems and methods of the
present teachings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0012] The present teachings relate to various embodiments of ink
compositions, which once printed and cured on a substrate can form
a continuous composite film layer that includes a first pattern of
polymeric areas having a first refractive index (RI) interspersed
within a second pattern of polymeric areas having an RI that is
higher in comparison to the first pattern of polymeric areas.
Various embodiments of composite thin films so formed a substrate
can be tuned so as to enhance light outcoupling or extraction, such
as, by way of non-limiting examples, for a bottom-emitting display
device, various OLED lighting devices, and related light-emitting
devices.
[0013] According to the present teachings, the effective refractive
index of a first pattern of polymeric areas in a composite film
layer deposited on a substrate can be tuned to match or closely
match the refractive index of the device substrate through which
light from a light-emitting layer of the device is emitted.
Additionally, the effective refractive index of a second pattern of
polymeric areas in a composite film layer deposited on a substrate
can be tuned to match or closely match higher refractive index of
layers of a display device stack in which wave-guiding due to
internal reflection occurs, thereby enhancing the light that can be
emitted towards the substrate and then through the substrate via
the first pattern of polymeric areas that are tuned to match or
closely match the refractive index of the substrate. As such,
various embodiments of a composite film layer of the present
teachings can provide effective light outcoupling from, for
example, a display device, as well as various light-emitting
devices, through a composite polymeric layer on a substrate
providing discrete regions of variable RI that enable enhanced
outcoupling of light through a substrate in the direction of
viewing. The composite film layer can be fabricated such that the
refractive index of a first region to closer to that of the
substrate than to an overlying device layer, while the refractive
index of a second region is closer to that of the overlying device
layer than to the substrate.
[0014] Various embodiments of inks of the present teachings can be
printed using an industrial inkjet printing system that can be
housed in a gas enclosure, which gas enclosure defines an interior
that has a controlled environment maintained as an inert and
substantially low-particle process environment. Patterned printing
of a composite film layer of the present teachings on a substrate,
for example, but not limited by, an OLED device substrate, in such
a controlled environment can ensure a high-volume, high yield
process for a variety of light-emitting devices.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates generally a bottom-emitting
light-emitting device. During the manufacture of such a device,
such as an OLED display or an OLED light-emitting device, an OLED
film stack can be formed, which can emit light of a specific peak
wavelength when a voltage is applied. As depicted in FIG. 1, an
OLED film stack structure between an anode and a cathode can
include a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL),
an emissive layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL) and an
electron injection layer (EIL). As depicted in FIG. 1, in some
embodiments of an OLED film stack structure, an electron transport
layer (ETL) can be combined with an electron injection layer (EIL)
to form an ETL/EIL layer. As will be discussed in more detail
subsequently herein, for a bottom-emitting device, such as that
shown in FIG. 1, an anode material can be a transparent film
material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), or metal
nanowire-patterned structures.
[0016] The present inventors have recognized that inkjet printing
can enable pattered printing desirable for the formation various
embodiments of a composite film layer of the present teachings. A
composite film layer of the present teachings can be printed on a
variety of device substrates, for example, glass substrates or
various polymeric substrates, such as substrates formed from the
class of polymers such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate,
cyclic olefin copolymer, and the like.
[0017] Various inks for the preparation of a composite layer of the
present teachings can include a polymer or polymer component, for
example, but not limited by, various polyethylene glycol monomer
materials, an acrylate, such as a mono- or multidentate acrylate, a
methacrylate, such as a mono- or multidentate methacrylate, or
other material, as well as copolymers and mixtures thereof. Various
ink formulations used for the fabrication of a composite film layer
of the present teachings can include nanoparticles for the purpose
of enhancing light extraction from light emitted from an emissive
layer in a device stack and emitted through the substrate via the
composite film layer. The nanoparticles are typically characterized
in that they have one or more dimensions of less than 1000 nm.
Various ink compositions of the present teachings can be cured
using thermal processing (e.g. bake), UV exposure, and combinations
thereof. As used herein polymer and copolymer can include any form
of a polymer component that can be formulated into an ink and cured
on a substrate to form a composite film layer. Such polymeric
components can include polymers and copolymers, as well as
precursors thereof, for example, but not limited by, monomers,
oligomers, and resins.
[0018] According to the present teachings, inkjet printing can
provide several advantages. First, a range of vacuum processing
operations can be eliminated because such inkjet-based fabrication
can be performed at atmospheric pressure. Additionally, during an
inkjet printing process, a composite film layer that can include a
first region of formed from a first ink and a second region formed
from a second ink can be readily fabricated using inkjet printing;
enabling various embodiments of a composite film of the present
teachings. The targeted patterning using inkjet printing results in
eliminating material waste, as well as eliminating additional
processing typically required to achieve patterning of a composite
layer of the present teachings, such as processing involving the
use of multiple masks to produce a complex pattern of regions of
variable RI.
[0019] For selectively adjusting the refractive index of various
regions of a composite film of the present teachings, nanoparticles
(NPs) can be included in various ink compositions. When NPs are
incorporated into various regions of a composite film layer of the
present teachings they can provide enhanced light extraction, by
adjusting the refractive index (RI) of a formed region to a desired
effective RI. Some exemplary NPs can include, by way of
non-limiting example, inorganic nanoparticles, including metal
oxide NPs, such as NPs of zirconium oxide (i.e. zirconia), titanium
oxide (i.e. titania) and aluminum oxide (i.e. alumina). Various NPs
can be incorporated into regions of a composite film formed on the
substrate of a light-emitting device by including them in an ink
composition, and depositing them by inkjet printing. An effective
nanoparticle size of between about 10 nm to about 100 nm can be
selected for use in a jettable ink. As will be discussed in more
detail herein, various embodiments of ink compositions for use in
printing the NP-containing region of a composite film layer formed
on a substrate of a light-emitting device may have a NP loading in
a concentration in the range from about 1 wt. % to about 60 wt.
%.
[0020] FIG. 2 includes a series of section views that illustrates
generally a process flow and device 100A according to various
embodiments of techniques and devices of present teachings. As
shown in segment I of FIG. 2, droplets 120 of a first ink can be
deposited on substrate 110 so as to create a defined pattern of
deposited ink, which when cured can form, for example, a pattern of
dome or lenslet polymer structures 132 as shown in segment II of
FIG. 2. By using inkjet printing, any pattern of polymer structures
132 can be fabricated on substrate 110; whether a regular or
randomized pattern deposited over the surface of substrate 110. As
depicted in segment III of FIG. 2, droplets 125 of a second ink can
be deposited on substrate 110 upon which structures 132 have been
formed, and when cured can form composite film layer 130, that
includes polymeric structures 132 with a first refractive index
matching or closing matching the refractive index of substrate 110
and polymer matrix 134 having a refractive index matching or
closely matching transparent electrode layer 140. Composite film
130 once formed on substrate 110 can present a planarized surface
for the deposition of an anode layer (see FIG. 1), such as film
layer 140. As previously discussed herein, film layer 140 can be a
transparent electrode material, such as ITO. Additionally, a metal
nanowire-patterned structure can also be used for to create an
anode for various embodiments of light-emitting devices of the
present teachings. Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 2, various
embodiments of a composite film layer of the present teachings,
such as composite film layer 130, can have regions of contact with
substrate 110 having a first refractive index as a result of the
deposition of a first ink, and regions of contact with substrate
110 having a second refractive index as a result of the deposition
of a second ink.
[0021] According to the present teachings, a first ink can be a
composition including a polymer or polymer component, for example,
but not limited by, various polyethylene glycol monomer materials,
an acrylate, such as a mono- or multidentate acrylate, a
methacrylate, such as a mono- or multidentate methacrylate, or
other material, as well as copolymers and mixtures thereof. Such
polymeric inks can form polymer structures 132 that have a
refractive index of between about 1.45 to about 1.50 and therefore
have a refractive index that matches or closely matches the
refractive index of substrate 110, which can be glass or various
polymeric materials, such as a polymeric material of the class of
polymers such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, cyclic
olefin copolymer, and the like. According to the present teachings,
a second ink can include a polymer matrix as described for various
embodiments of a first ink, but can have an effective index of
refraction that is adjusted to between about 1.6 to about 1.9 using
by the specific selection and loading of NPs as part of the ink
composition.
[0022] Though not bound by theory or explanation, FIG. 3
illustrates generally how various embodiments of a composite film
layer of the present teachings can function to enhance outcoupling
of light from a display device. Various embodiments of an ITO layer
can have a refractive index of between about 1.6 to 1.9.
Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 1, various stack layers of a
display device including the anode, HIL, HTL, and EML can also have
indices of refraction that are in the range of 1.6 to 1.9. In
contrast, various embodiments of substrate 110 of FIG. 3, for
example, glass substrates or various polymeric substrates, such as
substrates formed from the class of polymers such as polyimide,
polyethylene terephthalate, cyclic olefin copolymer, and the like,
can have refractive indices in the range of 1.45 to 1.5. The
disparity of refractive indices can result in internal reflection
through film layers having higher indices of refraction in
comparison to substrate 110. However, for various embodiments of a
composite film of the present teachings, such as composite film 130
of FIG. 3, light (represented by dashed lines in the figure)
initially refracted from ITO layer 140, as well as through the
organic film layers, such as the HIL, HTL, and EML layers (see FIG.
1) can be transmitted through polymer matrix 134 that includes NPs
so that its refractive index matches or closely matches the
refractive index of transparent electrode layer 140. When light
interacts with polymeric structures 132, having an index of
refraction matching or closely matching substrate 110 it can be
outcoupled through the substrate in the direction of view of the
display device. By way of illustration only, the RI of one material
can be considered to closely match the RI of another material if
the RIs of the two materials differ by no more than 10%. This
includes embodiments in which the RIs of the two materials differ
by no more than 5% and further includes embodiments in which the
RIs of the two materials differ by no more than 1%.
[0023] FIG. 4 includes a series of section views that illustrates
generally a process flow and device 100B according to various
embodiments of techniques and devices of present teachings. As per
the process and device of FIG. 2, in segment I of FIG. 4, droplets
120 of a first ink can be deposited on substrate 110 so as to
create a pattern of deposited ink. However, in various embodiments
of a process and device of FIG. 4, without curing droplets of a
first ink before depositing a second ink, in a sequential printing
process, as depicted in segment II of FIG. 4, droplets 125 of a
second ink can be deposited on substrate 110 upon which droplets
120 of a first ink have been deposited, so that composite ink layer
127 is formed as a first pattern of a first ink and a second
pattern of a second ink as illustrated generally in segment III of
FIG. 4. Though some diffusion can occur between deposition of
composite ink layer 127 and curing, inks and processes can be
created so that composite ink layer 127 when cured can form
composite film layer 135. In this embodiment of the methods, the
first and second inks are sufficiently immiscible to prevent the
complete or substantially complete mixing of the two inks on the
timescale of the ink deposition process. The inks can be rendered
immiscible through, for example, the selection of solvents and/or
monomers. Composite film layer 135 can include polymeric regions
132 with a first refractive index matching or closing matching the
refractive index of substrate 110 and polymer regions 134 having a
refractive index matching or closely matching transparent electrode
layer 140. As previously discussed herein for device 100A of FIG.
2, composite film 135 once formed on substrate 110 can present a
planarized surface for the deposition of an anode layer (see FIG.
1), such as film layer 140. As previously discussed herein, film
layer 140 can be a transparent electrode material, such as ITO.
Additionally, a metal nanowire-patterned structure can also be used
for to create an anode for various embodiments of display devices
of the present teachings. Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 4,
various embodiments of a composite film layer of the present
teachings, such as composite film layer 135, can have regions of
contact with substrate 110 having a first refractive index as a
result of the deposition of a first ink, and regions of contact
with substrate 110 having a second refractive index as a result of
the deposition of a second ink. According to the present teachings,
various embodiments of a composite film layer of FIG. 4 may
function as illustrated generally in FIG. 3.
[0024] In one embodiment of a method of forming a composite film
having regions of differing refractive index, a film is formed on a
substrate by: depositing a first ink on a substrate in a
first-defined pattern; said first-defined pattern configured to
create a second-defined pattern on the substrate, wherein the first
ink is configured to produce a first-patterned film that has a
refractive index that is substantially the same as the refractive
index of the substrate; depositing a second ink on the substrate in
the second-defined pattern; wherein the second ink is configured to
produce a second-patterned film that has a refractive index that is
greater than the refractive index of the substrate; and depositing
at least one thin film layer over the substrate, wherein the at
least one thin film layer has a refractive index that is
substantially the same as the second-patterned film.
[0025] Ink Compositions
[0026] The following teachings relate to various embodiments of ink
compositions which, once printed and dried or cured, form thin
polymeric layers on an optoelectronic device substrate, such as,
but not limited by, a light emitting device, such as an OLED
display or lighting device. Various embodiments of the ink
compositions can be printed using an industrial inkjet printing
system that can be housed in a gas enclosure, which gas enclosure
defines an interior that has a controlled environment maintained as
an inert and substantially low-particle process environment.
Patterned printing to from a composite film on a substrate in the
fabrication of a light-emitting device in such a controlled
environment can ensure a high-volume, high yield process for a
variety of light-emitting devices, such as, but not limited by, an
OLED display or lighting device. According to the present
teachings, various ink compositions for a light-emitting device can
be inkjet printed using various ink compositions tailored for the
formation of the patterned printing of low RI regions interspersed
within higher RI regions in which the higher RI regions can contain
NPs.
[0027] The ink compositions include a polymer component, for
example, but not limited by, various acrylate monomers, such as a
mono- or multidentate acrylates; various methacrylate monomers,
such as a mono- or multidentate methacrylates; and copolymers and
mixtures thereof. The inks used to form the first and second
patterned regions on a substrate may include the same monomers, as
in the case where the first ink is dried or cured before the second
ink is deposited. Alternatively, the inks may include different
monomers, as in the case where both inks are deposited before
drying or curing. The polymer component can be cured using thermal
processing (e.g. bake), ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and combinations
thereof. As used herein polymer and copolymer can include any form
of a polymer component that can be formulated into an ink and cured
on a substrate to form a composite film layer. Such polymeric
components can include polymers and copolymers, as well as
precursors thereof, for example, but not limited by, monomers,
oligomers, and resins. As previously discussed herein, various
embodiments of ink compositions of the present teachings further
include nanoparticles (NPs) for adjusting the RI of various regions
of a composite thin film of the present teachings.
[0028] According to the present teachings, inkjet printing can
provide several advantages. First, a range of vacuum processing
operations can be eliminated because such inkjet-based fabrication
can be performed at atmospheric pressure. Additionally, during an
inkjet printing process, a printed layer can be precisely localized
and patterned on a substrate. Moreover, inkjet printing can be used
to vary the particle density, the film thickness, or both along the
length of a printed layer, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-7.
[0029] Composite Film Ink Compositions and Methods
[0030] Various embodiments of ink compositions of the present
teachings can be inkjet printed in a target print area on, for
example, but not limited by, a light-emitting device, such as an
OLED display device, or lighting device, to form a composite
polymeric film layer enabling enhanced light-outcoupling from
various light-emitting devices of the present teachings.
[0031] The thin layer ink compositions include one or more
mono(meth)acrylate monomers, one or more di(meth)acrylate monomers,
or a combination of mono(meth)acrylate and di(meth)acrylate
monomers, in addition to a multifunctional crosslinking agent. As
used herein, the phrase "(meth)acrylate monomer" indicates that the
recited monomer may be an acrylate or a methacrylate. Some
embodiments of the ink compositions further include cure
initiators, such as photoinitiations, thermal initiators, or
electron beam initiators. Ink-jettable ink compositions of this
type that may be used to print one or more of ink compositions used
to form various embodiments of a composite film layer of the
present teachings are described in U.S. patent application
publication number 2016/0024322 filed on Jul. 22, 2015; U.S. patent
application publication number 2017/0062762, filed on Jul. 19,
2016; U.S. patent application publication number 2017/0358775,
filed on Jun. 10, 2016; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/727,551, filed on Oct. 6, 2017, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0032] The mono(meth)acrylate and di(meth)acrylate monomers have
properties that render them suitable for use in inkjet printing
applications. As components of an ink composition, these monomers
can provide compositions that are jettable at a range of inkjet
printing temperatures, including room temperature. Generally, for
ink compositions useful for inkjet printing applications, the
surface tension, viscosity and wetting properties of the ink
compositions should be tailored to allow the compositions to be
dispensed through an inkjet printing nozzle without drying onto or
clogging the nozzle at the temperature used for printing (e.g.,
room temperature, -22.degree. C., or at higher temperatures up to,
for example, about 50.degree. C.). Once formulated, various
embodiments of the ink compositions can have a viscosity of between
about 2 cps and about 30 cps (including, for example, between about
10 cps and about 27 cps and between about 14 cps and about 25 cps)
at a temperature in the range from 22.degree. C. to 50.degree. C.
and a surface tension of between about 25 dynes/cm and about 45
dynes/cm (including, for example, between about 30 dynes/cm and
about 42 dynes/cm and between about 28 dynes/cm and about 38
dynes/cm) at a temperature in the range from 22.degree. C. to
50.degree. C. The suitable viscosities and surface tensions for the
individual monomers used in the ink compositions will depend on the
viscosities and surface tensions for the other components present
in a given ink composition and on the relative amounts of each
component in the ink composition. Generally, however, the
mono(meth)acrylate monomers and the di(meth)acrylate monomers will
have a viscosity in the range from about 4 cps to about 22 cps at a
temperature in the range from 22.degree. C. to 50.degree. C.,
including about 4 cps to about 18 cps at a temperature in the range
from 22.degree. C. to 50.degree. C., and a surface tension in the
range from about 30 dynes/cm to 41 dynes/cm at a temperature in the
range from 22.degree. C. to 50.degree. C., including in the range
from about 32 dynes/cm to 41 dynes/cm at a temperature in the range
from 22.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. Methods for measuring
viscosities and surface tensions are well known and include the use
of commercially available rheometers (e.g., a DV-1 Prime Brookfield
rheometer) and tensiometers (e.g., a SITA bubble pressure
tensiometer).
[0033] In some embodiments of the ink compositions with a high
nanoparticle loading, organic solvents can be added to adjust the
viscosity and/or surface tension of the ink compositions if the
viscosity and/or surface tensions of the ink compositions fall
outside of these ranges in the absence of organic solvents.
Suitable organic solvents include esters and ethers. Examples of
organic solvents that can be included in the ink compositions
include high boiling organic solvents, including organic solvents
having a boiling point of at least 200.degree. C. This includes
organic solvents that have boiling points of at least 230.degree.
C., at least 250.degree. C., or even at least 280.degree. C. Diols
and glycols, such as propanediols, pentanediols, diethylene glycols
and triethylene glycols, are examples of high boiling organic
solvents that can be used. High boiling aprotic solvents can also
be used, including aprotic solvents having boiling points of at
least 240.degree. C. Sulfolane, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrothiophene-I,
I-dioxide, also known as tetramethylene sulfone, is an example of a
relatively high boiling, aprotic solvent. Other non-limiting
exemplary organic solvents can include toluene, xylenes,
mesitylene, propylene glycol methyl ethers, methyl naphthalene,
methyl benzoate, tetrahydronaphthalene, dimethyl formamide,
terpineol, phenoxyethanol, and butyrophenone.
[0034] The mono(meth)acrylate monomers and di(meth)acrylate
monomers can be, for example, linear aliphatic mono(meth)acrylates
and di(meth)acrylates, or can include cyclic and/or aromatic
groups. In various embodiments of the inkjet printable ink
compositions, the mono(meth)acrylate monomers and/or
di(meth)acrylate monomers are polyethers. In various embodiments of
the inkjet printable ink compositions, the di(meth)acrylate
monomers are alkoxylated aliphatic di(meth)acrylate monomers. These
include 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, 1,12-dodecanediol
di(meth)acrylate and neopentyl glycol group-containing
di(meth)acrylates, including alkoxylated neopentyl glycol
diacrylates, such as neopentyl glycol propoxylate di(meth)acrylate
and neopentyl glycol ethoxylate di(meth)acrylate. Various
embodiments of the neopentyl glycol group-containing
di(meth)acrylates have number average molecular weights in the
range from about 200 g/mole to about 400 g/mole. This includes
neopentyl glycol-containing di(meth)acrylates having number average
molecular weights in the range from about 280 g/mole to about 350
g/mole and further includes neopentyl glycol-containing
di(meth)acrylates having number average molecular weights in the
range from about 300 g/mole to about 330 g/mole. Various neopentyl
glycol group-containing di(meth)acrylate monomers are commercially
available. For example, neopentyl glycol propoxylate diacrylate can
be purchased from Sartomer Corporation under the tradename SR9003B
and also from Sigma Aldrich Corporation under the tradename
Aldrich-412147 (.about.330 g/mole; viscosity .about.18 cps at
24.degree. C.; surface tension .about.34 dynes/cm at 24.degree.
C.). Neopentyl glycol diacrylate also can be purchased from Sigma
Aldrich Corporation under the tradename Aldrich-408255 (.about.212
g/mole; viscosity .about.7 cps; surface tension .about.33
dynes/cm).
[0035] Other suitable (meth)acrylate monomers include, but are not
limited to, alkyl(meth)acrylates, such as methyl(meth)acrylate and
ethyl(meth)acrylate; cyclic trimethylolpropane formal
(meth)acrylate; alkoxylated tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate;
phenoxyalkyl (meth)acrylates, such as 2-phenoxyethyl(meth)acrylate
and phenoxymethyl (meth)acrylate; and
2(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate. The structures, room
temperature viscosities, and room temperatures surface tensions for
certain of these (meth)acrylate monomers are provided in FIG. 5.
Still other suitable mono- and di(meth)acrylate monomers include
polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate monomers, including those
having a number average molecular weight in the range from about
230 g/mole to about 440 g/mole. For example, the ink compositions
can include polyethylene glycol 200 dimethacrylate and/or
polyethylene glycol 200 diacrylate, having a number average
molecular weight of about 330 g/mole. Other mono- and
di(meth)acrylate monomers that can be included in various
embodiments of the ink compositions, alone or in combination,
include dicyclopentenyloxyethyl acrylate (DCPOEA), isobornyl
acrylate (ISOBA), dicyclopentenyloxyethyl methacrylate (DCPOEMA),
isobornyl methacrylate (ISOBMA), and N-octadecyl methacrylate
(OctaM). Homologs of ISOBA and ISOBMA (collectively "ISOB(M)A"
homologs) in which one or more of the methyl groups on the ring is
replaced by hydrogen can also be used.
[0036] The multifunctional (meth)acrylate crosslinking agents
desirably have at least three reactive crosslinkable groups, such
as (meth)acrylate groups or vinyl groups. Thus, the multifunctional
(meth)acrylate crosslinking agents can be, for example,
tri(meth)acrylates, tetra(meth)acrylates and/or higher
functionality (meth)acrylates. Pentaerythritol tetraacrylate or
pentaerythritol tetramethacrylate,
di(trimethylolpropane)tetraacrylate and
di(trimethylolpropane)tetramethacrylate are examples of
multifunctional (meth)acrylates that can be used as a primary
cross-linking agent. The term `primary` is used here to indicate
that other components of the ink compositions may also participate
in crosslinking, although that is not their main functional
purpose. Photoinitiators can also, optionally, be included in the
ink compositions for initiating the polymerization process.
[0037] In some embodiments of the ink compositions, the
mono(meth)acrylate and di(meth)acrylate monomers are the primary
component in the ink compositions on a weight basis. Various
embodiments of these ink compositions have a mono(meth)acrylate
and/or di(meth)acrylate monomer content in the range from about 70
wt. % to about 96 wt. %. That is, the combined weight of the
mono(meth)acrylate and di(meth)acrylate monomers accounts for about
70 wt. % to about 96 wt. % of the ink composition. This includes
embodiments of the ink compositions having a mono(meth)acrylate and
di(meth)acrylate monomer content in the range from about 75 wt. %
to 95 wt. % and further includes embodiments of the ink
compositions having a mono(meth)acrylate and di(meth)acrylate
monomer content in the range from about 80 wt. % to 90 wt. %. Some
embodiments of the ink composition include only a single
mono(meth)acrylate monomer or a single di(meth)acrylate monomer,
while others include a mixture of two or more mono(meth)acrylate
monomers and/or two or more di(meth)acrylate monomers. For example,
various embodiments of the ink compositions include two
mono(meth)acrylate monomers, two di(meth)acrylate monomers, or a
mono(meth)acrylate monomer in combination with a di(meth)acrylate
monomer. The weight ratios of the two monomers can vary
significantly in order to tailor the viscosity, surface tension,
and film-forming properties of the ink compositions. By way of
illustration, some embodiments of the ink compositions that include
two of the mono- or di(meth)acrylate monomers include a first
mono(meth)acrylate or di(meth)acrylate monomer and a second
mono(meth)acrylate or di(meth)acrylate monomer in a weight ratio in
the range from 95:1 to 1.2, including in a weight ratio range from
12:5 to 1:2. This includes embodiments of the ink compositions in
which the weight ratio of the first mono(meth)acrylate or
di(meth)acrylate monomer to the second mono(meth)acrylate or
di(meth)acrylate monomer is in the range from 12:5 to 4:5; further
includes embodiments of the ink compositions in which the weight
ratio of the first mono(meth)acrylate or di(meth)acrylate monomer
to the second mono(meth)acrylate or di(meth)acrylate monomer is in
the range from 5:4 to 1:2; and still further includes embodiments
of the ink compositions in which the weight ratio of the first
mono(meth)acrylate or di(meth)acrylate monomer to the second
mono(meth)acrylate or di(meth)acrylate monomer is in the range from
5:1 to 5:4. For the purposes of the weight percentages and weight
ratios recited in this paragraph, any crosslinking ligand present
in the ink composition is not considered to be a mono(meth)acrylate
or di(meth)acrylate monomer.
[0038] If one or more crosslinking agents are included in an ink
composition according to the present teachings, they typically
account for about 1 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the ink composition,
including about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. % of the ink
composition.
[0039] According to the present teachings, as previously discussed
herein, an NP-containing ink composition can include more than one
type of NP, where the different types of NPs can differ by nominal
particle size, particles shape, particle material, or combinations
thereof. Some exemplary NPs can include, by way of non-limiting
example, metal oxide NPs, such as NPs of zirconium oxide (i.e.
zirconia), titanium oxide (i.e. titania) and aluminum oxide (i.e.
alumina). Embodiments of the ink compositions for use in printing
the NP-containing region of a composite film layer formed on a
substrate of a light-emitting device may have a NP loading in a
concentration in the range from about 1 wt. % to about 60 wt. % for
NPs between about 10 nm to about 100 nm. As a result, the
mono(meth)acrylate and di(meth)acrylate monomer content of these
ink compositions can be lower than discussed above. For example,
various embodiments of the NP-containing ink compositions for
forming a composite film on a substrate of a light-emitting device
may have a mono(meth)acrylate and di(meth)acrylate monomer content
in the range from about 50 wt. % to about 90 wt. %. This includes
embodiments of the ink compositions having a mono(meth)acrylate and
di(meth)acrylate monomer content in the range from about 60 wt. %
to 80 wt. % and further includes embodiments of the ink
compositions having a mono(meth)acrylate and di(meth)acrylate
monomer content in the range from about 65 wt. % to 75 wt. %.
[0040] As previously discussed herein, an organic solvent may be
added to these ink compositions to provide them with a viscosity
and/or surface tension suitable for inkjet printing, as discussed
above. Suitable organic solvents include esters and ethers.
Examples of organic solvents that can be included in the ink
compositions include high boiling organic solvents, including
organic solvents having a boiling point of at least 200.degree. C.
This includes organic solvents that have boiling points of at least
230.degree. C., at least 250.degree. C., or even at least
280.degree. C. Diols and glycols, such as propanediols,
pentanediols, diethylene glycols and triethylene glycols, are
examples of high boiling organic solvents that can be used. High
boiling aprotic solvents can also be used, including aprotic
solvents having boiling points of at least 240.degree. C.
Sulfolane, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrothiophene-I, I-dioxide, also known as
tetramethylene sulfone, is an example of a relatively high boiling,
aprotic solvent. Other non-limiting exemplary organic solvents can
include toluene, xylenes, mesitylene, propylene glycol methyl
ethers, methyl naphthalene, methyl benzoate, tetrahydronaphthalene,
dimethyl formamide, terpineol, phenoxyethanol, and butyrophenone.
If organic solvents are included in the ink compositions, the NP
and monomer concentrations cited above are based on the solids
content of the ink compositions.
[0041] For various embodiments of an ink composition of the present
teachings, multifunctional (meth)acrylate crosslinking agents can
account for between about 4 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of an ink
composition. Generally, the cure initiators, such as
photoinitiators, will be included in amounts in the range from
about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, including amounts in the range
from about 0.1 wt. % to about 8 wt. %. This includes embodiments in
which the photoinitiators are present in amounts in the range from
about 1 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, further includes embodiments in
which the photoinitiators are present in amounts in the range from
about 3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, and still further includes
embodiments in which the photoinitiators are present in amounts in
the range from about 3.75 wt. % to about 4.25 wt. %.
[0042] The specific photoinitiators used for a given ink
composition are desirably selected such that they are activated at
wavelengths that are not damaging to materials used in the
fabrication of the device, such as materials used in the
fabrication of a light-emitting device, such as, but not limited by
an OLED display or lighting device. The photoinitiators can be
selected such that initial polymerization is induced at wavelengths
in the UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum, the blue region
of the visible spectrum, or both. For example, various ink
compositions of the present teachings can use a photoinitiator that
triggers polymerization at a wavelength in the blue region of the
electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, a completely cured composite film
layer of the present teachings can be achieved using a light source
that emits blue light. For example, an LED source having a peak
intensity around 395 nm could be used.
[0043] An acylphosphine oxide photoinitiator can be used, though it
is to be understood that a wide variety of photoinitiators can be
used. For example, but not limited by, photoinitiators from
the.quadrature..quadrature.-hydroxyketone, phenylglyoxylate, and
D-aminoketone classes of photoinitiators can also be considered.
For initiating a free-radical based polymerization, various classes
of photoinitiators can have an absorption profile of between about
200 nm to about 400 nm. For various embodiments of the ink
compositions and methods of printing disclosed herein,
2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) and
2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenyl phosphinate have desirable
properties. Examples of acylphosphine photoinitiators include
Irgacure.RTM. TPO (also previously available under the tradename
Lucirin.RTM. TPO) initiators for UV curing sold under the
tradenames Irgacure.RTM. TPO, a type I hemolytic initiator which;
with absorption @ 380 nm; Irgacure.RTM. TPO-L, a type I
photoinitiator that absorbs at 380 nm; and Irgacure.RTM. 819 with
absorption at 370 nm. By way of illustration, a light source
emitting at a nominal wavelength in the range from 350 nm to 395 nm
at a radiant energy density of up to 1.5 J/cm2 could be used to
cure an ink composition comprising a TPO photoinitiator. Using the
appropriate energy sources, high levels of curing can be achieved.
For example, some embodiments of the cured composite films of the
present teachings can have a degree of curing of 90% or greater, as
measured by, for example, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopy.
[0044] Given that the initiation of polymerization can be induced
by light, ink compositions can be prepared to prevent exposure to
light. With respect to preparation of various compositions of the
present teachings, in order to ensure the stability of various
compositions, the compositions can be prepared in a dark or very
dimly lit room or in a facility in which the lighting is controlled
to exclude wavelengths that would induce polymerization. Such
wavelengths generally include those below about 500 nm.
[0045] A flowchart for a method of formulating an ink composition
according to the present teachings is provided in FIG. 6. To
formulate an ink composition, a mixture 2202 of mono(meth)acrylate
monomers, di(meth)acrylate monomers a and combinations thereof, as
well as the multifunctional (meth)acrylate crosslinking agent are
mixed together with a photoinitiator 2203 to form an initial
curable monomeric blend 2206. If the ink composition will include
crosslinking ligands 2204, they can also be added to curable
monomeric blend 2206. NPS 2008 can be dispersed in curable
monomeric blend 2206 to form a dispersion 2209. Various NPs may be
added in the form of an aqueous or non-aqueous, organic
solvent-based dispersion. If so, water or organic solvent
optionally can be removed from dispersion 2209 to form a second
dispersion 2210. The ink composition is then ready for use and
should be stored away from light. Once the ink compositions are
prepared, they can be dehydrated by mixing in the presence of
molecular sieve beads for a period of a day or more and then stored
under a dry, inert atmosphere, such as a compressed dry air
atmosphere.
[0046] The ink compositions can be printed using a printing system,
as described subsequently herein, and also as described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 9,343,678 and 9,579,905, which are incorporated herein in
their entirety. The films can be cured in an inert nitrogen
environment using UV radiation. The ink compositions are designed
to be applied by inkjet printing and are, therefore, characterized
by jettability, wherein a jettable ink composition displays
constant, or substantially constant, drop velocities, drop volumes
and drop trajectories over time when jetted continuously through
the nozzle of a printhead. In addition, the ink compositions are
desirably characterized by good latency properties, where latency
refers to the time that nozzles can be left uncovered and idle
before there is a significant reduction in performance, for
instance a reduction in drop velocity or volume and/or a change in
trajectory that will noticeably affect the image quality.
[0047] Various embodiments of the present ink compositions can be
deposited on a substrate, such as glass substrates or various
polymeric substrates, such as substrates formed from the class of
polymers such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, cyclic
olefin copolymer, and the like, using pattered area printing of
inks to form various embodiments of composite film layers of the
present teachings.
[0048] Printing Systems
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates generally enclosed inkjet printing system
1000A, for integrating and controlling non-reactive gas and clean
dry air (CDA) sources such as can be used to establish the
controlled environment referred to in other examples described
elsewhere herein, and such as can include a supply of pressurized
gas for use with inkjet printing system 2000 shown in the interior
of manufacturing enclosure 100. Additionally, enclosed inkjet
printing system 1000A of FIG. 7 can include a supply of CDA so as
to establish a CDA environment in manufacturing enclosure 100
during, for example, various maintenance procedures.
[0050] As depicted in FIG. 7, enclosed inkjet printing system 1000A
can have inkjet printing system 2000, housed within manufacturing
enclosure 100. Inkjet printing system 2000 can be supported by
printing system base 2150, which can be a granite stage. Printing
system base 2150 can support a substrate support apparatus, such as
a chuck, for example, but not limited by, a vacuum chuck, a
substrate floatation chuck having pressure ports, and a substrate
floatation chuck having vacuum and pressure ports. In various
embodiments of the present teachings, a substrate support apparatus
can be a substrate floatation table, such as substrate floatation
table 2250 indicated in FIG. 7. Substrate floatation table 2250 can
be used for the frictionless support of a substrate. In addition to
a low-particle generating floatation table, for frictionless Y-axis
conveyance of a substrate, inkjet printing system 2000 can have a
Y-axis motion system utilizing air bushings. Additionally, printing
system 2000 can have X,Z-axis carriage assembly 2310, which can be
mounted on printing system bridge 2130. X,Z-axis carriage assembly
2310 can have motion control provided by a low-particle generating
X-axis air bearing assembly. Various components of a low-particle
generating motion system, such as an X-axis air bearing assembly,
can be used in place of, for example, various particle-generating
linear mechanical bearing systems. For various embodiments of a gas
enclosure and system of the present teachings, the use of a variety
of pneumatically operated devices and apparatuses can provide
low-particle generating performance, as well as being low
maintenance.
[0051] With respect to supply and control of process gas, as
depicted in FIG. 7, various embodiments of enclosed inkjet printing
system 1000A can have external gas loop 3200 for integrating and
controlling non-reactive gas source 3201 and clean dry air (CDA)
source 3203 for use in various aspects of operation of enclosed
inkjet printing system 1000A. Enclosed inkjet printing system 1000A
can also include various embodiments of an internal particle
filtration and gas circulation system, as well as various
embodiments of an external gas purification system, as previously
described herein. Some commonly used non-limiting examples of gases
for non-reactive gas source 3201 gas for can include nitrogen, any
of the noble gases, and any combination thereof. Various
embodiments of a gas purification system according to the present
teachings can maintain levels in manufacturing enclosure 100 for
each species of various reactive species, including various
reactive atmospheric gases, such as water vapor, oxygen and ozone,
as well as organic solvent vapors at 100 ppm or lower, for example,
at 10 ppm or lower, at 1.0 ppm or lower, or at 0.1 ppm or lower. In
addition to a supply of a non-reactive gas, substrate floatation
table 2250 of inkjet printing system 2000, which can utilize air
bearing technology, can also utilize vacuum system 3270, which is
in communication with of manufacturing enclosure system 1000A
through line 3272 when valve 3274 is in an open position.
[0052] With respect to controlling the internal pressure of
manufacturing enclosure 100, as illustrated generally in FIG. 7, a
pressure of gas inside manufacturing enclosure 100 can be
maintained within a desired or specified range, such as using a
valve coupled to a pressure monitor, P, where the valve allows gas
to be exhausted to another enclosure, system, or a region
surrounding the inside manufacturing enclosure 100 using
information obtained from the pressure monitor. Such gas can be
recovered and re-processed. As previously discussed herein, such
regulation can assist in maintaining a slight positive internal
pressure of inside manufacturing enclosure 100 during a printing
process. Moreover, variable demand of various pneumatic devices and
apparatuses can create an irregular pressure profile for various
manufacturing enclosure systems and methods of the present
teachings, which requires constant control and regulation.
Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 7 for manufacturing enclosure 100,
the pressure control system is configured to maintaining a dynamic
pressure balance for manufacturing enclosure system 1000A, so that
it can be held at a slight positive pressure relative to the
environment surrounding the enclosure during a printing
process.
[0053] The present teachings are intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.
.sctn. 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature
of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding
that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning
of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various
features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This
should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed
feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter
may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed
embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into
the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each
claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is
contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other
in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention
should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along
with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled.
[0054] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the devices, methods,
and systems of the present disclosure without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. Other
embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only.
* * * * *