Functional Decorative Inks for Automotive Applications

Abstract

The automotive industry is experiencing rapid advancements in connected, automated, shared, and electric (CASE) technologies, with a growing emphasis on in-car comfort and livability. This progression has driven a trend toward larger, more seamless displays. Enhancing safety remains a priority, particularly through the integration of driver monitoring systems (DMS) and LiDAR. However, incorporating DMS introduces spatial and safety challenges, complicating design integration. Toray is addressing these challenges by developing decorative technologies that balance functionality and aesthetics, with a focus on inks designed to conceal near-infrared sensors. The recent trend toward seamless design includes the integration of multi-displays into dashboards. To achieve this, Toray employs technologies such as narrow bezel displays, color-matching decoration, and smoke decoration. Their seamless decorative ink leverages nano-dispersion technology to uniformly distribute pigments and particles, enabling optical designs that optimize both specular and diffuse reflection. Additionally, Toray has developed the infrared-transmitting black ink "Photo Black^®," which offers excellent visible light shielding while maintaining infrared transmission. This innovation ensures seamless display designs without compromising the functionality of cameras and sensors. Utilizing proprietary pigment dispersion technology, the ink achieves a haze level of approximately 0.2%, delivering clear and sharp images.