Chemical manufacture 'key to development of LED market

The global light-emitting diode (LED) materials market is expected to double its revenues over the next few years, particularly as this technology replaces old, less durable and more energy inefficient lights across the world.

Indeed, according to a new study published by Frost and Sullivan, LED sales are set to reach $11.7 billion (£6.95 billion) by 2018. This represents significant growth from the $5.01 billion recouped in 2013.

However, if this anticipated level of growth is to be achieved, chemical manufacturers will play a vital role. Chemicals and materials are necessary in all stages of the LED fixture manufacturing process, yet the wide range of specific compounds required means that very few market participants are capable of providing them all.

According to the research, it is estimated revenue growth in the chemicals industry will be ahead of that recorded in the LED market, with compounds necessary in four vital stages of the manufacturing value chain - chip fabrication, packaging, module construction and fixture assembly.

Of these aspects of production, the study indicates the greatest demand for chemicals will result from the final stage, concerned with the assembly of the lighting fixture.

Another key aspect of the market will be the use of organic LEDs (OLEDs) and polymer-OLEDs (P-OLEDs). These are becoming increasingly popular and are commonly used in new high-definition televisions and computer monitors.

In addition to providing brighter and crisper displays than traditional devices, OLEDs use much less power than conventional technologies and even the liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that are widely used.

Unlike LCDS, OLEDs and P-OLEDs do not require backlighting and are much brighter. They are also far thinner, lighter and more flexible than alternative display options and the technology is a key component of what is expected to be the next big thing - wearable devices.

A number of major companies - including Samsung and LG - have developed and released such products in recent months and speculation persists that Apple will soon unveil its own range of items.

The vast majority of wearable technology is reliant on OLED displays because of the fact they are thin and malleable enough to perform such a function.

OLEDs contain two layers - conductive and emissive - of polymers, including polyaniline and polyfluorene. This is another example of how manufacturers are often required to source a range of chemical compounds from various suppliers in order to complete the full construction process.

Robinson Brothers has extensive experience of producing polymers and chemical compounds and its ability to produce speciality chemicals designed specifically for the task at hand means it is able to cater for chemical intermediates for the OLED market. Please e-mail [email protected] if you would like to discuss this further.