Environment

Fujifilm has won the Special Technology Prize under the 48th JCIA Technology Award* (hosted by the Japan Chemical Industry Association) for its thin double-sided sensor film for touch panels, an application of the company’s photographic technology.

Sensor films for touch panels are often used in smart phones, and are commonly made of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). Because ITO films have high resistance their stimulation response is quite poor and therefore it is difficult to use the film for pen input or multi-touch input, and for screens larger than 10 inches. Therefore, an alternative to ITO film has been sought, also due to the disadvantages inherent in one of its constituents, indium. Such issues include the fact that indium is a rare metal of which supplies may become unstable, indium compounds are listed in the Ordinance on Prevention of Hazards Due to Specified Chemical Substances because of its environmental risks, and its rigidity can cause wire breakage when bending the film, causing an even higher electrical resistance.

The EXCLEAR film utilizes high-conductivity silver image formation, one of the latest applications of silver-halide photographic technology. EXCLEAR enables not only pen input and multi-touch input on a touch panel, but also has wide applications in 3D and wearable device sensors thanks to its high transparency and flexibility. Being free from indium, there are no risks for material procurement and this contributes to a reduction in environmental impact. We continue to respond to various demands from society through developing highly functional materials utilizing our exclusive expertise.

* JCIA Technology Award: Awards given to unique products and technologies that contribute to progress in scientific technology.