The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) has succeeded in developing a photocurable transparent film using graphene.
ETRI researchers are examining a photocurable transparent film developed using graphene and a graphene photocurable colloidal composition. Photo by Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI)
On the 9th, ETRI announced that it has developed a new transparent film in which graphene is stably dispersed. This film features transparency that changes according to the intensity of light, and it is expected to be utilized in various fields such as laser protection devices, smart optical sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) optical materials in the future.
Graphene is attracting attention as a next-generation innovative material with excellent strength and electrical conductivity. However, due to its tendency to clump together, it has been difficult to use graphene practically in the industry.
In response, ETRI developed a new graphene dispersion photocurable colloidal composition, securing technology that allows graphene to be stably and uniformly distributed within polymers without the need for separate dispersants. This enables easy manufacturing of graphene dispersion films and molded products.
The graphene dispersion colloidal composition is in a very stable state and can be stored for over a year without graphene precipitation.
Furthermore, ETRI applied a method that uses light (UV) to convert the colloidal composition into a solid film, successfully creating a new material that maintains graphene’s properties while being easy to process.
By utilizing this technology, when making films, the graphene dispersion solution in the colloidal composition polymerizes to form the film, and both the graphene and the colloidal composition are used in film formation, resulting in no generation of pollutants.
Most importantly, unlike the conventional method of molding with a die (or manufacturing films in polymer solution form), ETRI explained that by applying a method of manufacturing films through light curing of the graphene colloidal composition, continuous processing is possible, enabling mass production (commercialization).
The developed graphene dispersion photocurable transparent film is expected to be applied in various industries such as optics, electronics, and AI by utilizing graphene’s unique light-controlling property (optical nonlinearity).
Shin Hyung-cheol, head of ETRI’s Human Augmentation Research Lab, said, "This research has opened the way to easier utilization of graphene," adding, "We expect graphene to establish itself as an innovative material in optical-related components and AI application technology fields through this opportunity."
Meanwhile, this research was conducted as part of ETRI’s funded project, "Development of Core Optical Learning Technologies for Sustainable AI."
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