A single-layer permeation barrier for organic light-emitting displays

Films of a hybrid material with part-SiO2 part-silicone character are deposited as environmental barriers on bottom-emitting and on transparent organic light-emitting diodes. Devices coated with this barrier have lifetimes of up to similar to 7500 h when stored at 65 degrees C and 85% relative humidity, by far exceeding the industrial requirement of 1000 h. The intensity of the Si - O - Si absorption at the wavenumber of 1075 cm(-1), the wetting angle by water, and the indentation hardness support the interpretation of a homogeneous material with the properties of a SiO2-silicone hybrid. The films remain intact over 58 600 cycles of bending to similar to 0.2% tensile strain. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.