Quantum dot films utilizing multi-phase resins
Multi-phase polymer films containing quantum dots (QDs) are described herein. The films have domains of primarily hydrophobic polymer and domains of primarily hydrophilic polymer. QDs, being generally more stable within a hydrophobic matrix, are dispersed primarily within the hydrophobic domains of the films. The hydrophilic domains tend to be effective at excluding oxygen.
1. A composition comprising:
a first phase comprising a first polymer and a population of quantum dots dispersed in the first polymer, and
a second phase comprising a second polymer,
wherein the first and second phases are at least partially phase-separated so as to produce a continuous domain of the second phase with domains of the first phase dispersed in the continuous domain, and
wherein the composition is formed from a first phase-in-second phase liquid-in-liquid emulsion that has been cured.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the first polymer is more hydrophobic than the second polymer.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the first polymer is an acrylate.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the second polymer is an epoxide.
5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein a film formed from the composition is disposed between two gas barriers.
6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the reactive index of the first polymer and the refractive index of the second polymer differ by less than about 5%.
7. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the reactive index of the first polymer and the refractive index of the second polymer differ by less than about 1%.
8. A method of preparing a two-phase film, the method comprising:
forming a liquid-in-liquid emulsion comprising a first phase suspended in a second phase, the first phase comprising a first polymer and quantum dots and the second phase comprising a second polymer;
depositing the emulsion between gas barrier films to form an emulsified film therebetween; and
curing the emulsified film to form a two-phase film having a continuous domain of the second phase with domains of the first phase dispersed in the continuous domain.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein forming an emulsion comprises:
forming a mixture comprising the first polymer and the quantum dots;
combining the first mixture with a solution of the second polymer to form a second mixture;
and agitating the second mixture to form the emulsion.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the first polymer is more hydrophobic than the second polymer.
11. The method of claim 8 , wherein the first polymer is an acrylate.
12. The method of claim 8 , wherein the second polymer is an epoxide.
13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the refractive index of the first polymer and the refractive index of the second polymer differ by less than about 1%.
14. A panel comprising a film disposed between two gas barrier sheets, the film comprising a composition according to claim 1 .
15. The panel recited in claim 14 , wherein the first polymer is an acrylate and the second polymer is an epoxy or a polyurethane.
16. The panel recited in claim 14 , wherein the refractive index of the first polymer and the refractive index of the second polymer differ by less than 5%.
17. The panel recited in claim 14 , wherein the first phase or the second phase comprises one or more of a photoinitiator, a cross-linking agent, a polymerization catalyst, a refractive index modifier, a filler, a scattering agent, a viscosity modifier, a surfactant and an emulsifying agent.
18. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the quantum dots are InP/ZnS quantum dots.
19. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the first phase or the second phase further comprises a photoinitiator.
20. The panel of claim 14 , wherein the first phase or the second phase further comprises a photoinitiator.
21. The method of claim 8 , wherein the emulsified film is cured using ultraviolet (UV) light.
22. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the first phase or the second phase further comprises a chemical antioxidant.
23. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the first polymer is lauryl methacrylate.