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 ∼7500h when stored at 65°C and 85% relative humidity, by far exceeding the industrial requirement of 1000h. The intensity of the Si–O–Si absorption at the wavenumber of 1075cm−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 58600cycles of bending to ∼0.2% tensile strain.