2m cleanroom leads the way for screen technology

Work has begun on a £2m Flexible Electronics cleanroom at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) as part of its bid to lead the technology race for paper-thin, flexible computer screens.

Based in the Tees Valley, UK, CPI has signed a deal with DuPont Teijin Films to develop flexible TV and computer screens, solar panels and electronic smart tags to production stage. The cleanroom, which is due to open this month, will be instrumental in developing a manufacturing and supply chain for the region. Operators will have to pass through a special air lock entrance and no access will be permitted without protective clothing. It marks the first in a series of projects planned by CPI "to breathe new life into a valuable semi-tech resource for the Tees Valley's chemical industry". Dr Tom Taylor, director of CPI's Functional Materials platform, said: "flexible electronics represents a massive global industry. Central to our technology is a special coating for film surfaces that needs to be operated in a clean environment. If the miniscule particles contained in ordinary air were to get onto the surface, they would prevent the coating from working." CPI is one of five centres of excellence established as part of One NorthEast's Strategy for Success. It was set up to consolidate, build on and exploit the North East's knowledge base in the process industries.