Researchers at Linnaeus University and Linköping University is now focusing on commercializing the new glass material developed – a micrometer thin film that can make ordinary window glass three times harder and has great potential for screens of smart phones and tablets.
Researchers at Linnaeus University and Linköping University is now focusing on commercializing the new glass material developed – a micrometer thin film that can make ordinary window glass three times harder and has great potential for screens of smart phones and tablets.
Scratches and cracks in the mobile phone screen is more the rule than the exception. Last year, the research group could in glass technology at Linnaeus University, in collaboration with Linköping University, presenting a new material developed – a micrometer thin film that makes glass for various types significantly harder and more durable. Now, efforts are underway to commercialize his invention, as they tried to patent in November, 2016.
The project aims to commercialize the innovation of new materials, “hard, thin films”. A transparent thin film added with advanced technology – magnetron sputtering – another transparent material, such as glass or plastic. A common window glass is then roughly three times harder. One obvious market is the screens of smart phones and tablets that often crack when dropped. These products have annual sales of about 1.5 billion units, giving a great market potential.
The innovation is the result of a basic research project in collaboration between Linnaeus University and Linköping University. Thin films composed of common elements – silicon, oxygen and nitrogen – are manufactured so that at least one element bonded to the material. The film is vitreous, ie glass shape, which contributes to it is transparent.
Read more about the project in swedish here.
https://lnu.se/mot-linneuniversitetet/aktuellt/nyheter/2017/innovativ-glasbelaggning-far-anslag-av-vinnova-till-kommersialisering/