 Electroluminescent Lamp MaterialsThe Electralux electroluminescent display inks comprise a range of phosphors, conductive silver, ceramic dielectric and UV curing coverlay inks for use in the manufacture of flexible electroluminescent (EL) lamps and displays.EL lamps are thin, flexible and light weight with a low power consumption and heat generation. They are vibration and impact resistant and can be formed to give even illumination of complex shapes which could not otherwise be achieved. Typical applications range from consumer items such as watches and toys, advertising and point-of-sale-displays to instrument and dashboard displays in cars and aircraft. The EL lamp is essentially a capacitor in which the light emitting phosphor inks are sandwiched between the two electrodes. Typically they are formed by printing the phosphor ink onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated polyester where the transparent ITO coating forms one of the electrodes. A cost effective alternative to the ITO coated polyester is the ELX-ITO-R, a conductive, transparent paste that can be screen-printed where required. A dielectric coating is then printed onto the phosphor and the second electrode is formed by screen-printing the conductive silver or carbon ink onto the dielectric. The whole sandwich can then be overprinted with a UV curing coverlay material or another layer of polyester or other suitable film can be laminated over the top to protect the lamp. The lamps are powered by applying an AC voltage across the electrodes. This is typically at a frequency of 400 Hz and 80-120 VAC. Higher voltages and frequencies can be used and these will increase the lamp brightness but at the expense of lamp life. Lamp brightness generally declines with time and this is accelerated by the presence of moisture. The phosphors used in the Electralux inks are encapsulated to minimise moisture absorption and prolong the life of the lamps. The resins used are also selected for their moisture barrier properties as well as for their influence on the brightness of the lamps. |
Electroluminescent Lamp Materials |
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