Merck KGaA, Plastic Logic develop new-generation organic semiconductors

DARMSTADT, GERMANY: Merck KGaA and Plastic Logic GmbH have announced plans to jointly develop, test and commercialize Merck’s new organic semiconductors in Plastic Logic’s displays. The production and launch of these new materials are planned for 2011.

Merck recently invested in the expansion of the Chilworth Technical Centre, its chemicals research site in Southampton, UK, by adding new laboratories to intensify and accelerate display-material developments based on plastic electronics. As part of the project announced today, Plastic Logic has also invested in additional manufacturing equipment to accelerate the introduction of Merck's new lisicon materials in mass production.

Merck’s functional materials are already used in the manufacturing process of the flexible ePaper displays contained in Plastic Logic’s first consumer product, QUE proReader, which was presented at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show in January.

The new world-class, high performance lisicon materials from Merck will enable enhanced device performance and simplify Plastic Logic’s manufacturing process for ePaper displays.

“Merck is delighted to support Plastic Logic as an innovative leader in next-generation consumer devices containing paper-like displays,” said Dr. Klaus Bofinger, senior VP, responsible for Advanced Technologies at Merck. “With Merck’s track record and experience in introducing new display technologies to the market, we see the cooperation with Plastic Logic as a major step towards advancing plastic electronic displays.”

Konrad Herre, MD of Plastic Logic GmbH in Dresden, Germany, commented: “We are very pleased to announce this cooperation with Merck. This expansion of our joint efforts will enable us to develop higher performing future plastic electronic display technologies using simpler manufacturing processes.”