Dow DOWSIL VE-8001 Flexible Silicone Adhesive

Dow has introduced the DOWSIL VE-8001 Flexible Silicone Adhesive for flexible and foldable displays, smartphones, wearables, laptops, televisions and many other types of electronic devices. The two-part primerless silicone adhesive is applied directly to thin metal surfaces and forms an elastic layer, or inner hinge, that helps to protect the display from damage caused by folding and unfolding. It is easy to apply, features low-temperature curing and provides durable mechanical properties. Its tensile strength and elongation also support designs with a small folding radius.

The adhesive can be applied with screen printing, roll-to-roll coating, automatic dispensing or injection moulding. Its viscosity makes it easy to apply to substrates such as the etched areas of thin stainless steel sheets used as frames underneath the display of foldable laptops. It supports low temperature curing (80°C for 1 h at 300 µm thickness) and higher heat can be applied for accelerated curing. With a working time of 12 h at room temperature, the adhesive won’t harden prematurely.

Importantly, the adhesive exhibits stable mechanical properties after both dynamic and static testing. Hardness, adhesive strength and tensile strength remain remarkably consistent over time. The elongation is high (40%) and indicates the material’s ability to stretch significantly before breaking. Good tensile strength and appropriate elongation help to control the stress neutral line preventing damage to the display, especially in its folded area. Shock resistance helps protect the display panel from drops or other impacts.