LG readies crease-proof material for foldable displays

One of the glaring issues with current foldable devices is the inaesthetic crease that forms in the middle of the flexible display, especially for inward-folding devices,also affecting long-term durability. Fortunately, this mild annoyance will become a thing of the past in a few years, as LG has managed to develop a new protective material that greatly increases screen durability and also retains its structure without exhibiting visible creasing.

The new material is dubbed “Real Folding Window” and is developed by LG Chem to be applied on top of the folding displays. Compared to Samsung’s solution, this new material is said to be more durable and hard as glass, but it also allows for more flexibility akin to plastic so it retains its integrity for more than 200,000 folds or roughly 5 years of usage. Based on a polyethylene terephthalate {PET) film a few dozen micrometers in thickness, the protective cover comes with a special coating on both sides, which enhances its heat resistance and mechanical properties, making it ideal for inward-folding, as well as outward-folding screens. LG states that it is also developing a Real Folding Window solution specifically designed for smartphone folding screens and rollable displays that is even thinner because it does not integrate PET films.

Mass production for the new display layer is expected to start in 2022, while the first products to integrate it should become available in 2023. This solution will not be restricted to LG’s device portfolio, as the company is now looking to license the Real Folding Window solution to other leading industry partners, expanding applications to folding laptops and tablets.

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