Crosslink flexible lighting

Start-up Crosslinkhas developed a material with an array of real-world applications thatcould profoundly influence how our living environments, possessions andclothes look in the future as it effectively offers almost any objectthe ability to become a light source. SuperFlex is a lightweight,crushable, durable electroluminescent (EL) lighting technology based onpolythiophene, an inherently conductive polymer known as PEDOT.SuperFlex can be formulated to emit light in both the visible andnear-infrared (NIR) spectrums and can withstand being twisted,punctured, torn or scrunched-up (bottom images) without losing itsability to light up. The first commercialisation of the technology willbe in the form of easily-transportable softwall shelters for themilitary with the lighting system semi-permanently attachedto the inside of the shelter. The future prospects for SuperFlex arevery bright as textiles, composites, plastics and metals all can becoated with SuperFlex, signalling a step-change approach to how we uselight sources. The technology is applicable in myriad ways - frommerchandising displays to packaging, walls, drapes, any part of astructure, clothes that light up at night for safety or decorativepurposes ad infinitum. Then there are some compelling militaryapplications, such as a foldable map that emits its own infrared lightso it can be read in complete darkness using night vision goggles.

Source: crosslinkusa.comAdded: 29 January 2007