The Finnish start-up company Canatu Oy has developed flexible and transparent films that make it possible to implement touch control buttons on almost any surface. Regardless of the surface shape.
Flexible Nanobuds Films
The novel material developed by Canatu uses carbon nanobuds (also known as carbon nanotubes = CNT). These are a type of carbon nanotubes that use spherical processes to conduct electricity. Since the films can be applied flexibly and permanently, it is possible to implement touch sensors on uneven and curved surfaces.
Carbon nanotubes as a replacement for ITO
In most capacitive touch applications, ITO has been used for the production of transparent electrodes. However, since indium tin oxide has so far only been used on a solid (glass or plastic) plate and is unfortunately brittle and not very flexible, it is only used on flat surfaces. In contrast, the Nanobud films can be used on novel flexible and foldable consumer electronics.
Strong Market Growth for Wearable Technologies
Canatu commissioned an online survey in 2014, which can be viewed on the company's website under the "Future of Wearable Touch Devices" study. In this study, it is found that 98% of participants think that the wearable technology market can expect strong growth in the coming years and is helping to expand the Internet of Things.
Products equipped with non-ITO-based transparent conductors are of increasing interest to the market, and Canatu plans to be at the forefront of providing a competitive replacement for ITO. If you want to learn more about the company, you can get more information by clicking on the URL in our reference.
