Polymers to challenge silicon in providing electrical functionality

29-Nov-06

Polymers have always been essential components of many electronic devices and products and their sales are continuing to grow at well over 4% p.a. From their use in the fabrication of semiconductor chips and printed circuit boards, to their application in cables, connectors and equipment housings, polymeric materials play a vital role that cannot be achieved with any other materials. While these traditional applications continue to be important as the electronics industry and its products evolve, the development of new materials with enhanced and sometimes novel properties is opening up new opportunities both for polymers and new electronic products. In fact, the world is starting to see a revolution in the way polymers are used in electronics. From a time when they played an important but nevertheless supporting role, we are now on the verge of a new era, where polymers are beginning to challenge silicon in providing the electronic functionality in both existing and new applications. Polymer electronics will change the way we make and use electronics and the value of the related business could grow to $300 billion within 20 years. Whether it is for use in existing applications or in totally new areas, there is now such a wide range of materials and potential applications in which polymers can be used that keeping up to date with the latest information can be difficult, costly and time consuming. To help highlight some of the latest developments with the use of Polymers in Electronics, Rapra Technology is holding a two-day conference in Munich on January 30 and 31, 2007. With key industry experts from around the world, the Polymers in Electronics conference will cover a wide range of subjects detailing the uses of polymers, from printed electronics and reliability issues to new flame retardants and end-of-life polymer recycling. The conference will also provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the changing markets for polymers in electronics and the growing opportunities that are emerging. (Press Release)