Partner With Us - Current Themes
Recommended for:
- Companies searching for a material that can be both conductive and freely shaped
- Companies searching for bendable conductive film
- Companies having trouble with the film formation method of electrode materials in design and manufacturing
About transparent conductive film using MFT
MFT (*in-house name) is a microscopic ceramic particle with conductivity. It can be coated to a substrate to make a thin film. This film combines conductivity, transparency, bending resistance, processability and other functions at an advanced level. This realizes a transparent and bendable conductive film. We can expect it to be utilized it in a wide range of fields as an unprecedented transparent conductive film.
Features of transparent conductive film using MFT
Bendable transparent conductive film
In general, there is a limit to how thin conductive film formed with the coating method can be made. However, MFT particles have a unique flat shape. Therefore, MFT does not lose its conductivity even if the film is made thin. It is possible to form an extremely thin film at the order of several nm. Furthermore, MFT film has achieved a performance that stands in comparison with other typical transparent conductive films in terms of both light transmittance and conductivity (figure below).
Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) film, known as an especially high-performance transparent conductive film, has even higher conductivity than MFT film. However, ITO film does not handle being bent well. If it is bent many times, the film will crack and its conductivity will drop. On the other hand, MFT film has a structure in which microscopic particles are stacked on top of each other. Therefore, its conductivity remains virtually unchanged even when bent many times. This means it can be utilized as bendable transparent conductive film.
Transparent conductive film that can also be adapted to three-dimensional shapes
ITO film is generally formed with a method called vacuum deposition. Therefore, there are restrictions on the size, shape, and heat resistance of the substrate on which the film can be formed. On the other hand, the microscopic particles of MFT can disperse uniformly in water (solvent). This means the spraying method can be applied for the film formation. Accordingly, MFT film can be coated and formed on any size and shape. It is even possible to create large film and film with a complex three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, heat is not needed during the film formation process with MFT film. Therefore, there are no concerns about thermally damaging the substrate.
Functions and utilization fields of transparent conductive film using MFT
Shielding electromagnetic waves
Field of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles
MFT film has conductivity. Therefore, it has the ability to repel electromagnetic waves. Moreover, MFT is lighter than regular metal-based materials. For this reason, we are thinking of utilizing MFT as a lightweight electromagnetic shielding film capable of being formed on complex shapes in fields relating to vehicles, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles in particular.
Converting electricity into heat
Field of plants
MFT film can be given moderate electrical resistance. Heat will then be generated when an electric current is passed through it here. We believe it can be used in ways, for instance, to encourage germination by using it fitted to the shape of a planter and to prevent condensation while letting in sunlight by using it on the walls of a plastic greenhouse.
Transmitting electrical signals
Field of fashion and apparel
MFT film itself cannot emit light or generate electricity. However, it can be used to transmit electrical signals. It is possible to realize devices that can follow complex movements by taking advantage of the transparency and bending resistance of MFT film. This means combining it with clothing may enable the making of clothes that glitter and clothes that can generate solar power.
These are just a few examples of our utilization vision for MFT film. We would like to explore various possibilities together with you without limiting ourselves to these fields.
Toward collaboration
Aiming for next-generation technological innovation, we are focusing on bendable transparent
conductive film that has the potential to be used in a wide variety of applications as a collaboration
theme. This sheet boasts an unprecedented high level of processability. In addition to utilizing it in
the field of electrical components and as a constituent part, it also has the potential to demonstrate
its value in new fields that are not limited to conventional business.
We are aiming to bring together your knowledge, technologies, and resources with our technologies to
bring about innovation by utilizing this revolutionary technology. We want to work with you to produce
innovations and achievements that we cannot achieve alone by mutually sharing ideas and information
and collaborating toward a common goal.
What Murata Manufacturing can provide
- Bendable transparent conductive film
- check iconResearch and development on MFT tailored to the applications sought by our partners
- check iconKnowledge of manufacturing in the electrical and electronics field
What Murata Manufacturing is seeking
- Sharing of issues in the fields of expertise of our partners
- check iconExploration of the possibilities of MFT being useful in the fields of expertise of our partners
Benefits obtained by working together
- Proposals for solutions to problems that go beyond the boundaries of industry
- Ideas from combining our technologies together that cannot be achieved by one of us alone
- Ongoing connections with other industries
FAQ
It is highly flexible. Therefore, it maintains conductivity even when repeatedly folded in half.
It is possible to adjust its light transmittance up to 90%. However, the surface resistance also changes at the same time.
It is possible to evenly form film on curved surfaces and complex shapes with the spray method.
Its durability changes depending on the usage environment. Please contact us for details.
It is possible to form film on a wide range of substrates including those made of PET, polyimide, and glass. Please contact us for details.
Inquiries about Transparent Conductive Film
Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in our transparent conductive film that offers flexibility and high transmittance, or if you want to learn more about this technology.
*This product is under development. Therefore, the specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
Message from the developers
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Chemical Materials Development Dept. Material Technology Center Technology & Business Development Unit
- Fumihiko Naruse
- Considering the properties of bendable transparent conductive film, we believe many hints to utilizing it lie in fields that seem unrelated to electronic components. We hope that those in a wide range of fields, regardless of industry, find this project appealing. We would to produce as many innovations as possible by working together with such people.
- Hiroki Nakatsu
- Bendable transparent conductive film is a unique material with the potential to allow multiple roles to be fulfilled in one part. Murata Manufacturing is earnestly working toward the practical application of this technology from our desire to contribute to society through this material. We hope that we can produce innovations we could never even have imagined by collaborating with various people outside our company.
Notices
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We have posted the transparent conductive film development theme for which we are looking for collaboration partners.
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We have published a technical article titled “How does ‘soft robotics’ make strengths of flexibility and ambiguity?”
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We have published a technical article titled “Murata is Seeking Partners to begin discussions for a New Transparent and Bendable Conductive Film along with the Application of New Ideas to Open up the IoT Era (Application Image).”
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We have published a technical article titled “Murata is Seeking Partners to begin discussions for a New Transparent and Bendable Conductive Film along with the Application of New Ideas to Open up the IoT Era (Technical Explanation).”
Read More
Inquiries
Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in our transparent conductive film that offers
flexibility and high transmittance, or if you want to learn more about this technology.
*This product is under development. Therefore, the specifications are subject to change without
prior notice.
