Beyond these technical achievements, the LEO partners assessed the cost efficiency of the metal foil-based OLED technology. Until now, the cost reduction induced by the replacement of glass substrate by steel foils turns out to be more limited than expected but offers new features (flexibility, better heat dissipation). The impact of substrate cost depends actually on the ability to massively produce high quality LCS substrates, which has not been demonstrated yet. In return, the replacement of conventional encapsulation solution (cover glass) by the novel hard coat technology developed by CEA clearly shows the highest cost saving potential. In the same manner, the choice of TADF polymer coupled to an inkjet technology could induce a significant material cost saving. Overall the OLED cost can be reduced by ~20% while achieving new features (flexibility).
The LEO partners are already busy exploiting the project’s results. OSRAM, for instance, is focusing on process integration for both hybrid systems and metal-based OLEDs in automotive applications and special applications in general illumination. ArcelorMittal keeps on developing new materials and coatings based on R2R process technologies, as implemented in LEO, to produce advanced steel foils for printed electronics applications. Cynora is providing state-of- the-art TADF materials to worldwide leading panel makers, and CEA notably aims to transfer its encapsulation knowledge to both OLED and photovoltaic device manufacturers. Unexpected applications are also emerging beyond lighting. These include conformable OLED panels for aeronautics (patent pending), as well as display applications requiring higher image contrast than the conventional glass cover approach.
