Covestro, Marquardt, and E Ink have collaborated to create an innovative transparent polyurethane (PU) coating. This breakthrough allows e-paper displays to be seamlessly integrated behind synthetic automotive interior surfaces, maintaining both their visual appeal and tactile feel. The technology is showcased in Marquardt’s concept vehicle, The Centum, featuring a door panel that highlights a dynamic, color-changing display embedded within a typical PU-coated textile surface.
Utilizing Covestro’s advanced INSQIN waterborne PU technology and built on Impranil DLC-F, this transparent film retains the texture of standard automotive fabrics while ensuring the vibrant colors of E Ink’s e-paper displays shine through. This allows for backlit features and integrated control elements, all without altering the established finish of the materials used.
In a statement, Felix Hake, Head of Innovation at Marquardt, said: “With The Centum, we wanted to demonstrate how intelligent functions can be integrated into interior surfaces without compromising design or quality. Working with E Ink and Covestro allowed us to create a material solution that combines a premium tactile experience with responsive visual effects.”
Dr. Torsten Pohl, Global Head of Textile Coatings at Covestro, added: “By developing a transparent, automotive-grade PU-coated synthetic compatible with E Ink displays, we were able to support Marquardt in integrating dynamic functionality into familiar surface materials.”
Pete Valianatos, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives & FPL Platform Management at E Ink, noted: “Our e-paper display technology is designed to deliver dynamic visual experiences with low power consumption, while maintaining the robustness required for demanding applications. Collaborating with Marquardt and Covestro has enabled us to demonstrate how E Ink displays can be integrated behind coated interior surfaces, allowing automotive designers to introduce adaptive color features without changing the established look and feel of premium materials.”