Engineering challenges for polymer electronics

Polymer LEDs are entering the market and rapid improvements are taking place in the fabrication techniques and the level of sophistication of polymer circuits. However, a number of challenges remain to be overcome before the commercial future of polymer electronics becomes an assured fact. Here, we review briefly the progress made to date in the development of polymer electronics. Then, following a consideration of the more important materials aspects, we proceed to discuss the techniques which are becoming established as the technologies of choice for polymer circuit and system fabrication.