Plastic semiconductor developed
Imperial College's Centre for Plastic Electronics is working on the development of a plastic semiconductor that allows an electrical charge to pass through it at high speed.
The discovery is thought to have application in flat screens, where it could reduce cost dramatically.
The work, being led by Professor Iain McCulloch and Dr Martin Heeney, illustrates a key relationship between the assembly of polymer molecules into organised structures, and the resultant improvements that arrive in electrical perform¬ance. Prof McCulloch said: "These results offer the possibility of printable electronics using semiconducting polymer inks."
According to the Centre, the plastic could replace silicon as the semiconductor of choice in the electronic components that control computer and tv screens and in rfid chips.
