Conductive Inks Give Military Access to Cheap, Ready to Use Solar With Just an Ink Jet Printer

Plexcore® Products for Printed Electronics

http://engineeringtv.com/blogs/etv/archive/2008/08/27/printed-solar-power.aspx">Watch Engineering TV's interview with Plextronics about our printed solar technology and latest product release, Plexcore PV.

Plexcore® polymers and printable inks are the key ingredients in the formation of high-quality organic layers. Whether for next-generation, power efficient displays, low-cost, easily available plastic solar cells or item-level radio-frequency tags, Plexcore® polymers and inks deliver the performance to drive the adoption of these devices.

…

From a technology standpoint, all printed electronic applications require one or more conductive layers that can be integrated with organic semiconductors, dielectrics and other conductive films. Plexcore® OC is a solution-processable, organic conductive ink that can serve multiple functions in printed electronic devices. Plexcore® OC inks are ideal for integration into various printed electronic devices because they can be tailored to the particular needs of a device. Additionally, Plexcore® OC inks are chemically and thermally stable, making them easy to use in the production environment.

For the commercialization of low-cost electronics, silicon semiconductors must be replaced with more cost effective materials, from both a raw materials and production process standpoint. Plexcore® OS, an organic semiconductor, is the technology enabling a revolutionary class of low-cost electronics—from printed RFID tags for supply chain management and product authentication to printed backplanes for advertising and consumer electronics.

Plextronics Awarded $1.2 million in Government Funding for Flexible Printed Electronics with the U.S. Military

Plextronics Media Contact:
Lori Lecker
412-423-2030 x 111
llecker@plextronics.com

Pittsburgh, PA, October 6, 2008 – Plextronics, Inc. — an international technology company that specializes in printed solar, lighting and other electronics — announced today that it has secured $1.2 million in funding as part of the 2009 Defense Appropriations Bill Continuing Resolution (H.R. 2638) that was signed into law on September 30. The award is a new contract for the company to develop flexible and light-weight printed electronics for the United States Military, including products and applications such as flexible solar panels for tent tops, solar-powered foldable blankets and helmet-mounted panels, printed lighting, flexible displays and printed circuitry.

According to Andy Hannah, president and CEO of Plextronics, this award is another step closer to the broad commercialization of printed electronics. "We're all seeing a worldwide focus on new sources of efficient, renewable energy, and there is no question that printable solar and lighting technology is a key part of that mission," Hannah said. "This project will enable us to continue to work with the military to develop applications and products that will make life in the field better for our soldiers."

…