One of the latest developments in the lighting industry is OLED, organic light emitting diode. The technology is based on laminating a thin carbon-based (and therefore organic) semiconducting plastic film between two electrodes. When the electrodes are energised, the semiconductor plate emits light. Different colours of light can be obtained by choosing the right plastic. This allows the production of ultra-thin displays and spectacular lighting fixtures, such as the famous Vela OLED Chandelier, designed by WAC Lighting.
Vela OLED Chandelier from WAC
OLED is a strong candidate for the lighting technology of the future, as the technology is highly efficient and therefore very energy-efficient. The organic plates are also flexible and it would then be possible to produce, for example, bendable reading plates - or why not luminous wallpaper.
One concern for OLED manufacturers, however, is that the lifetime is limited by corrosion due to moisture and chemicals. Organic materials often have poor resistance to moisture and chemicals.
Using specialised silicone materials, the organic diodes can be encapsulated to provide excellent resistance. Tribotec has several variants of moulding materials for OLEDs, which protect the diodes from moisture, chemicals, spills and debris. They retain their transparency over time, and also add strength because the diodes are shake-proof.
