With the pandemic still raging, supply chain disruptions, the chip shortage, climate catastrophes, and geopolitical turbulence, it is safe to say 2021 has not been smooth sailing. The materials and chemical sector provides the backbone of every industry and remains under pressure from all these challenges. In this article, IDTechEx highlights the key news from their independent perspective on this crucial industry.

Are you fed up with Zoom? Do you want online interactions to feel more... interactive? The metaverse promises a step-change in how society communicates but, without the hardware technology, will ultimately remain a pipe dream.

Presentation on Sustainable and Scalable Manufacturing of Microelectronics Using Directed Assembly of Nanomaterials, given as a Keynote at TechConnect 2021 by Ahmed Busnaina, W. L. Smith Professor, Distinguished University Professor and Director of The Advanced Nanomanufacturing Cluster for Smart Sensors and Materials and the NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing Northeastern University, Boston, USA.

Researchers have unlocked the technology to produce next-generation composite glass for lighting LEDs and smartphone, television and computer screens. The findings will enable the manufacture of glass screens that are not only unbreakable but also deliver crystal clear image quality.

The next time you buy a new couch, you may not ever have to leave your old one to get a feel for the texture of the new material.

E Ink Holdings today announced their "Paper Like Display" certification for E Ink Kaleido Plus, its color ePaper display module, presented by TÜV Rheinland Greater China the international testing, inspection and certification body.

Wednesday 10 November 2021 - The accelerating transition of printed/flexible electronics from technology push to market pull; Applications of printed/flexible electronic technologies that have been commercialized over the last 12 months; Roadmap for future adoption; A selection of both technical and commercial developments within the sector over the last year.

Sure, you could attach two screens with a hinge and call a cell phone "foldable," but what if you could roll it up and put it in your wallet? Or stretch it around your wrist to wear it as a watch? The next step in digital displays being developed could make that a reality.

A new method of 'sliding' delicate high-performance electronics onto flexible surfaces could enable future developments in electronics, scientists say. Engineers claim they have found a way to solve one of the key problems of contact printing - a method of planting electronics onto bendable plastic surfaces to create flexible electronic circuits and devices.

Dr Xiaoxi He from IDTechEx gave a tutorial presentation on "Micro-LED Displays and Their Opportunities for Automotive Applications" in Vehicle Displays & Interfaces September 28-29, 2021. The corresponding slides and recordings are shown below.

Ynvisible Interactive Inc and PragmatIC Semiconductor have entered into non-binding Technology Partnership and Supply Agreement, for a period of 3 years for services and deliverables of up to 2 Million US dollars, focused on fully integrated flexible display modules.

LG Display's Transparent OLED panels are to be installed at the parking lot's six main entrances to the Trade Tower's shops. The panels, which are set to cover the existing glass walls, will provide spatial interior effects without compromising space or distracting visitors.

Welcome to a new frontier of advanced materials and printed and flexible electronics. Metamaterials are structures involving repetitive patterning, usually of metals on dielectrics and usually controlling electromagnetic radiation in a previously-impossible fashion.

The second part of this premium article series examines Micro-LED technology introduction, challenges and development, the emergence of mini-LED displays and what we can learn from it and Micro-LED market status and future.

The first part of this premium article examines trends of Micro-LED, LCD, OLED, and QD-LCD displays, and value propositions of micro-LED displays and corresponding application trends

Ynvisible Interactive Inc has signed an exclusive North American distribution agreement with Display Logic to offer its electrochromic displays, drivers, driving protocols, and kits to customers in the United States and Canada.

From mobile phones, TVs, to cars and public screens, displays have become an important component in daily life to convey information. The importance of displays becomes more significant during COVID-19, as the demand to have a display for remote communication is higher. There is an emerging display type— Micro-LED display, which has the potential to become the next-generation mainstream, with its ability to be fabricated from tiny to huge sizes. The challenges and opportunities are discussed in the IDTechEx report "Micro-LED Displays 2021-2031: Technology, Commercialization, Opportunity, Market and Players".

Imagine sitting out in the sun, reading a digital screen as thin as paper, but seeing the same image quality as if you were indoors. Thanks to research it could soon be a reality. A new type of reflective screen - sometimes described as 'electronic paper' - offers optimal colour display, while using ambient light to keep energy consumption to a minimum.

A new electrode that could free up 20% more light from organic light-emitting diodes has been developed. It could help extend the battery life of smartphones and laptops, or make next-gen televisions and displays much more energy efficient.

2020 and 2021 are the years for the Mini-LED displays to boost. Backlit Mini-LEDs' taking off has also paved the way for Micro-LED displays, a potential display industry game-changer.