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During the assembly process, the use of a liquid optically clear adhesive (LOCA) is important for ideal visual properties in LCD screen manufacture. The assembly process has evolved and advanced, but there are still potential weaknesses or defects that must be taken into account in both adhesive selection and process design. In this blog installment, we will discuss one of these potential defects: entrapped bubbles.

Haze and lack of clarity are considered among the most vexing and stubborn of defects in the assembly of LCD screens and surfaces. Significant advances have been made in the optical quality and capability of liquid crystals and LEDs; however, these advances can be stunted by choices made further along in the assembly process. Specifically, liquid optically clear adhesives (LOCAs) used in the bonding of assembly layers can cause haze and light refraction either immediately or under certain aging conditions. The proper design of LOCA materials must take this risk of haze development into consideration. There are a number of effective approaches to minimizing or eliminating haze.

Liquid optically clear adhesives (LOCA) provide superior optical enhancement and anti-glare properties in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays. Light, temperature and moisture can significantly affect the physical and optical properties of these adhesives, promoting yellowing or discoloration, delamination, and loss of adhesion. In this discussion, we will explain the use of “accelerated weathering exposure” in the design of LOCA and its advantages over more traditional individual factor analysis.