New product concept

Seeking Optical Coating To Guide Light in Transparent Polymer

ClosedClosed

Inquiries no longer accepted

Type of Solution sought

  • A manufacturing process
  • A material
  • A technology

Description of Desired Solution

A SpecialChem Client is seeking a high-reflection coating to maximize the throughput of emitted light to their transparent polymer (acting as a light guide).

Background

The SpecialChem Client is using a transparent plastic to guide light for automotive interior decorative surfaces. Since the refractive index between the decorative elements (paint, plastic material, etc.) is similar there is a light loss during the guiding. To compensate from this loss, the intensity of incoming light can be increased, which requires more energy and fatigue to the light source.

The goal of the SpecialChem Client is to retain the maximum power of emitted light at the other end of the transparent polymer. To do so, it is necessary to contain as much as possible the light within the transparent polymer with the help of a low index of refraction layer.

The identified solution will be implemented as a standard to existing supply chain of more than 400,000 units per year.


Detailed Solution Description

The functionalized coating or surface treatment must meet the following criteria:

  • Act as a light propagation promoting agent:
    • Maximum refractive index of no more than 1.41
    • Refractive indexes of usual polymers: PMMA=1.49; PC=1.58; PS=1.59
  • Must bond to the optical polymer cores: PMMA, PC, or PS
  • Should allow addition of transparent or translucent paints, inks, or coating
  • Must be as flexible as the optical polymer core [ISO 527-3 Nominal strain at break 3%]
    • In case of a coating, shouldn’t be thicker than 1mm
  • Must have durability for use in automotive applications
    • Not haze due to prolonged (10+ years) exposure to various visible/UV lights
    • Usage temperature can range from -40°C to 100°C (typical automotive interiors testing conditions)
  • Ease of application: to be applied to single 3D surface or the entire light transport engine
Light Transmission

Possible Routes To Investigate

  • A low index of refraction coating
    • Should be cured in seconds with UV/Visible light for use as an optical cladding for a transparent polymer core
    • Have the ability to bond to thin polymer films or injection molded parts
    • Ideally it can also act as a bonding agent to additional polymer surfaces or components
  • A post-manufacturing surface treatment for plastic core material

Solution that are not of interest

Technologies that are still at the academic research stage or proof of concept stage. 

Anticipated Next Steps with Respondents

The SpecialChem Client is expecting to incorporate the technology within six months to one year.


Other Comments / Important Considerations

Cost plays a very important role in the automotive industry. The SpecialChem Client needs commercial products that can be produced at a favorable economic scale. 

Type of Outcome expected

  • Ready-to-use solutions
  • Partners

Company Demographics

  • Industry: Automotive
  • Annual Revenue: $Billion
  • Years in Business: More than 100 years
  • Headquarters Area: NA & China

Business considered

  • Licensing
  • Joint-venture
  • Buying