There are many reasons why ITO coatings are the perfect solution for applications across industries including Research & Development, Medical and Imaging/Microscopy; Space, Aerospace and Automotive; Military/Defence, Entertainment and more. Here are some of these reasons.
Applications of Diamox Indium Tin Oxide Coatings
ITO (indium tin oxide) coatings consist of a solution of indium oxide and tin oxide (In2O3 and SnO2) applied in thin films to substrates including glass and varying plastics (polycarbonates, polyester and acrylic) via low-temperature vacuum deposition.
These films offer properties that are of exceptional benefit to applications including, for instance:
- Electrochromic/Electroluminescent Displays
- LCD, Plasma and Field Emission Displays
- Photovoltaic Cells, Gas Sensors and Energy Efficient Windows
- Resistive/Capacitive Touch Panels/Screens and EMI/RFI Shielding
- Heat Reflective Coatings, Heated Display Filters (Optically Clear) and Electrostatic Dissipation
- Avionics Cockpit, Navigational (i.e in Military Vehicles) and Medical Equipment Displays
- ITO Microscope Slides/Cover Slips, ITO Coated Films and More
Why Indium Tin Oxide Coatings are the Perfect Solution
So, what makes ITO coatings perfect for these applications? The answer to this question lies, as suggested above, in the properties these coatings boast:
High Optical Transparency: With respective peak light transmissions of 81% and 87% for 20 ohms/sq coatings on polycarbonate and glass (wavelength range: 525nm to 600nm), indium tin oxide coatings offer much higher optical transparency than coatings consisting of alternative doped metal oxides.
High Electrical Conductivity: In comparison to doped metal oxide alternatives, these coatings offer much better electrical conductivity. Sheet resistances can, depending on the applied coating’s thickness, range from just 2.5 ohms/sq up to 1,500 ohms/sq.
Chemical Stability & Resistance to Moisture/Water Penetration: Showing no evidence of any optical degradation or reduction in coating adhesion/sheet resistance when subjected to Thermal/Humidy Cycling and Salt Spray Testing to MIL STD 48497, indium tin oxide coatings offer exceptional chemical stability and resistance to penetration by water/moisture, as well as being resistant to flaking, peeling and cracking; delamination and crazing.
High Shielding Effectiveness: Inhibiting and minimising (with the potential to eliminate) RFI. EMI and ESD (Radio Frequency Interface, Electro Magnetic Interface and Electro-Static Discharge) effects, Diamox coatings offer outstanding shielding effectiveness (26dB @ 1 GHz and 58dB @ 1MHz), which, of course, significantly improves not only the reception but also the overall performance of varying electronic devices.
In addition, these coatings can be:
- Combined with a diversity of other coatings to create highly customised solutions to meet application-specific optical, opto-electronic and/or electronic requirements.
- Applied to flat (max. sheet size: 1000 x 1000 mm) shaped and injection moulded parts. Application to free issue parts is also available.
- Precision etched to meet even extremely complex patterning requirements and create highly delicate conductor paths.
To learn more and/or discuss your specific application’s requirements, please contact our technical experts on +44 (0) 121 550 9430or +44 (0) 8451 360 603 today.
