EP4659552A1 - Silicone-laminated metal support for foldable display and foldable display - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46). The silicone-laminated metal support (20) comprises: a metal sheet (22) with a plurality of through holes (34), and a cured silicone product (24) adhered to at least one side of the metal sheet (22). The through holes (34) are formed to bend the silicone-laminated metal support (20) and are filled with the cured silicone product (24). The silicone-laminated metal support (20) can provide the flexible display (46) with good repeatable bendability and good tactile aesthetics (e.g., a good touch feeling).

Description

DESCRIPTION

SILICONE-LAMINATED METAL SUPPORT FOR FOLDABLE DISPLAY

AND FOLDABLE DISPLAY

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to and all advantages of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/442,431 filed on 31 January 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a silicone-laminated metal support for a foldable display device, and a foldable display.

Background

[0003] A flexible display generally includes a flexible support, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) element, and a passivation element that can endure bending. The flexible support is exemplified by a plastic support made of an organic material, a support having a structure where the organic material and an inorganic material are laminated, and a metal support such as thin stainless steel or aluminum. For example, a flexible display is disclosed in Patent Document 1 , wherein a flexible support may be made of stainless steel (SUS), magnesium (Mg), rubber, graphene, Teflon, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), urethane, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) films. Patent Document 2 discloses a silicone support for a flexible display, wherein the silicone support is formed by a cured silicone product.

[0004] Recently, a flexible display is designed to have a structure that can endure a specific bending radius. Using current structure, easily recoverable folding and rolling part could be solved and improved. However, pen touch and pen & ball drop performance are difficult to improve. Current foldable display structure adapts a single silicone support to control mechanical stress change during bending or folding. Silicone support could help to release the mechanical stress in the bending area, but single silicone support is too soft to protect external impacts from pen touching and finger touching.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a foldable support for a foldable display, comprising a metal layer, a first buffer layer and a second buffer layer, wherein the first buffer layer and the second buffer layer are respectively stacked on two sides of the metal layer in the thickness direction, and wherein the metal layer of the foldable support includes a bending zone and a non-bending zone. Patent Document 4 discloses a metal support for a foldable display device, wherein the support member includes a plurality of openings formed in the foldable area, and the openings include openings arranged in a first direction parallel and openings disposed at a position shifted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. [0006] However, these flexible supports have poor bending ability and are prone not to return to their original state after repeatedly bending or long-term static bending.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1 : U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0021570 A1

Patent Document 2: International Publication No. WO 2019/217672 A1

Patent Document 3: Chinese Utility Model Grant Publication No. 212411479 U Patent Document 4: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0411777 A1

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a silicone-laminated metal support for a foldable display, wherein the silicone-laminated metal support can provide a foldable display with good repeatable bendability (e.g., having improved durability and lower susceptibility to damage or failure during long-term, real-world usage) and good tactile aesthetics (e.g., having a good or favorable touch feeling). Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable display with good repeatable bendability and good tactile aesthetics.

Solution to Problem

[0009] The silicone-laminated metal support for a foldable display of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a metal sheet with a plurality of through holes, and a cured silicone product adhered to at least one side of the metal sheet, wherein the through holes are formed to bend the silicone-laminated metal support and are filled with the cured silicone product.

[0010] In various embodiments, the metal sheet comprises or s made of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), stainless steel (SUS), nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti), nickel-aluminum (Ni- Al), copper-zinc-nickel (Cu-Zn-Ni), copper-aluminum-nickel (Cu-AI-Ni), copper-aluminum- manganese (Cu-AI-Mn), titanium-nickel-copper-molybdenum (Ti-Ni-Cu-Mo), cobalt-nickel- galliur iron (Co-Ni-Ga:Fe), silver-nickel (Ag-Ni), gold-cadmium (Au-Cd), iron-platinum (Fe-Pt), iron-nickel (Fe-Ni), or indium-cadmium (In-Cd).

[0011] In various embodiments, a thickness of the metal sheet is in a range of from 1 to 500 pm.

[0012] In various embodiments, the through holes are arranged in a first direction parallel to the metal sheet, and they are disposed at a position shifted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. [0013] In various embodiments, the through holes have shape of a rectangle, a square, a lozenge, a circle, an oval, or a mixture thereof.

[0014] In various embodiments, the cure silicone product has a Shore A hardness of from 70 to 95 as measured in accordance with ASTM D2240.

[0015] In various embodiments, a thickness of the cured silicone product is in a range of from 10 to 300 pm.

[0016] In various embodiments, the cured silicone product is obtained by curing a hydrosilylation curable silicone composition.

[0017] In various embodiments, the hydrosilylation curable silicone composition comprises:

(A) an alkenyl group-containing organopolysiloxane comprising the following components (A- and (A₂):

(A-|) a linear organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule, and (A₂) a resinous organopolysiloxane comprising SiO₄/₂ units, R¹ ₂R²SiO-|/₂ units, and R1 gSiO-j i2 units, wherein each R^ is an independently selected monovalent hydrocarbon group free of aliphatic unsaturated bonds, and each R² independently is an alkenyl group, provided that a content of the alkenyl groups in component (A₂) is 0.5 to 5.0 mass%, and wherein a ratio of the total number of moles of the R¹ ₂R²SiO-| /₂ units and R¹ gSiO-j /₂ units to 1 mole of the SiO₄/₂ units is in a range of from 0.70 to 1.10, wherein a content of component (A₂) is in an amount of from 45 to 65 mass% of total mass of components (A-|) and (A₂);

(B) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atom per molecule, in an amount such that the silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms in component (B) is from 0.1 to 5 moles per 1 mole of the alkenyl groups in component (A); and

(C) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst, in a catalytic quantity.

[0018] The foldable display of the present invention comprises: a flexible display device, and the silicone-laminated metal support mentioned above.

[0019] In various embodiments, the foldable display is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

Effects of Invention

[0020] The silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention can provide a flexible display with good repeatable bendability and good tactile aesthetics (e.g., a good touch feeling). The flexible display of the present invention also has good repeatedly bendability and good tactile aesthetics.

Brief Description of the Drawing(s)

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one example of the silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view having a partial fracture surface and illustrating another example of the silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating one example of a method for producing the silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating one example of a metal sheet for producing the silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one example of the silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating another example of a method for producing the silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of one example of the foldable display of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the foldable display of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a top view of a metal sheet used in the Examples.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a method of measuring a push pressure test using a texture analyzer for replica structure of a foldable display in the Examples.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a method of measuring a recovery performance of a silicone-laminated metal support in the Examples.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a method of measuring a static / dynamic folding property of a silicone-laminated metal support in the Examples.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display in the Examples.

Definitions

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0036] The use of “for example,” “e.g.,” “such as,” and “including” to list illustrative examples does not limit to only the listed examples. Thus, “for example” or “such as” means “for example, but not limited to” or “such as, but not limited to” and encompasses other similar or equivalent examples. The term “about” as used herein serves to reasonably encompass or describe minor variations in numerical values measured by instrumental analysis or as a result of sample handling. Such minor variations may be in the order of ±0-25, ±0-10, ±0-5, or ±0- 2.5, % of the numerical values. Further, the term “about” applies to both numerical values when associated with a range of values. Moreover, the term “about” may apply to numerical values even when not explicitly stated.

[0037] It is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, it is to be appreciated that different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

[0038] It is also to be understood that any ranges and subranges relied upon in describing various embodiments of the present invention independently and collectively fall within the scope of the appended claims, and are understood to describe and contemplate all ranges including whole and/or fractional values therein, even if such values are not expressly written herein. One of skill in the art readily recognizes that the enumerated ranges and subranges sufficiently describe and enable various embodiments of the present invention, and such ranges and subranges may be further delineated into relevant halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and so on. As just one example, a range “of from 0.1 to 0.9” may be further delineated into a lower third, i.e., from 0.1 to 0.3, a middle third, i.e., from 0.4 to 0.6, and an upper third, i.e., from 0.7 to 0.9, which individually and collectively are within the scope of the appended claims, and may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, with respect to the language which defines or modifies a range, such as “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “no more than,” and the like, it is to be understood that such language includes subranges and/or an upper or lower limit. As another example, a range of “at least 10” inherently includes a subrange of from at least 10 to 35, a subrange of from at least 10 to 25, a subrange of from 25 to 35, and so on, and each subrange may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, an individual number within a disclosed range may be relied upon and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a range “of from 1 to 9” includes various individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbers including a decimal point (or fraction), such as 4.1 , which may be relied upon and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] Firstly, the silicone-laminated metal support 20 for a flexible display 46 of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the Figures. The flexible display 46 may also be referred to herein as a foldable display 46 or as a foldable display device 46. In general, like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views.

[0040] FIG. 1 shows an example of the silicone-laminated metal support 20 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , the silicone-laminated metal support 20 comprises a metal sheet 22 and a cured silicone product 24, wherein the metal sheet 22 has a plurality of through holes 34, and the cured silicone product 24 adheres to one side of the metal sheet 22. The through holes 34 are filled with the cured silicone product 24. It is to be appreciated that the amount of cured silicone product 24 in the through holes 34 can be uniform or vary. For example, the through holes 34 may all be completely filled, all partially filled, or a combination of partially filled and completely filled. Likewise, if the through holes 34 are partially filled, they may be uniformly filled to the same level or amount, or may vary in level or amount, such as if a gradient of differing fill is present in one or more locations of the metal sheet 22. In general, the through holes 34 are completely or near completely filled, and more generally, the through holes 34 are completely filled.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows another example of the silicone-laminated metal support 20 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the silicone-laminated metal support 20 comprises a metal sheet 22 and a cured silicone product 24, wherein the metal sheet 22 has a plurality of through holes 34 and the cured silicone product 24 adheres to both sides of the metal sheet 22. The through holes 34 are filled with the cured silicone product 24.

[0042] The metal sheet 22 is not limited as long as flexibility of the silicone-laminated metal support 20 of the present invention is not significantly reduced, but it is typically made of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), stainless steel (SUS), nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti), nickelaluminum (Ni-AI), copper-zinc-nickel (Cu-Zn-Ni), copper-aluminum-nickel (Cu-AI-Ni), copper- aluminum-manganese (Cu-AI-Mn), titanium-nickel-copper-molybdenum (Ti-Ni-Cu-Mo), cobalt- nickel-gallium:iron (Co-Ni-Ga:Fe), silver-nickel (Ag-Ni), gold-cadmium (Au-Cd), iron-platinum (Fe-Pt), iron-nickel (Fe-Ni), indium-cadmium (In-Cd), or alloys thereof. Among them, the metal sheet 22 is typically made of stainless steel (SUS). A thickness of the metal sheet 22 is not limited, but it is typically in a range of from 1 to 500 pm, optionally in a range of from 5 to 300 pm, optionally in a range of from 50 to 300 pm, optionally in a range of from 50 to 250 pm, or optionally in a range of from 50 to 150 pm. This is because, if the thickness is equal to or above the lower limit of the ranges described above, the silicone-laminated metal support 20 will have appropriate mechanical strength, whereas if the thickness is equal to or below the upper limit of the ranges described above, the silicone-laminated metal support 20 will have good flexibility. The (average) thickness of the metal sheet 22 may be uniform or may vary. [0043] The through holes 34 are formed to bend the silicone-laminated metal support 20. That is, the through holes 34 work as a foldable area 48 for the silicone-laminated metal support 20 of the present invention. The through holes 34 generally reduce differences in tactile aesthetics, specifically between the touch feeling over the foldable area 48 and the touch feeling over the non-foldable area of the foldable display 46. In FIG. 1 or 2, the through holes 34 are typically arranged in a first direction parallel to the metal sheet 22, and they are typically disposed at a position shifted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Furthermore, the through holes 34 typically have shape of a rectangle, a square, a lozenge, a circle, an oval, or a mixture thereof. For example, the through holes 34 may be a combination of rectangles and squares, circles and squares, or lozenges, circles, and ovals, etc. A number of lines of the through holes is not limited as long as flexibility of the silicone-laminated metal support 20 of the present invention is not significantly reduced, but it is typically in a range of from 5 to 200, or optionally in a range of from 5 to 100.

[0044] A size of the through holes 34 is not limited, but a width is typically in a range of from 1 to 500 pm, optionally in a range of from 5 to 300 pm, optionally in a range of from 50 to 300 pm, optionally in a range of from 50 to 250 pm, or optionally in a range of from 50 to 150 pm. As for the though holes 34, a length is not limited, but it is typically in a range of from 100 to 2000 pm, optionally in a range of from 500 to 2000 pm, or optionally in a range of from 1000 to 2000 pm. This is because, if the size is equal to or above the lower limit of the ranges described above, the silicone-laminated metal support 20 will have good flexibility, whereas if the size is equal to or below the upper limit of the ranges described above, the silicone- laminated metal support 20 will have appropriate mechanical strength. As described above, the through holes 34 may be of the same shape or may be of two or more different shapes. Likewise, size of the through holes 34 may be uniform or may vary. For example, the through holes 34 may be rectangles of generally the same size and shape, or may be circles of varying diameter and/or depth. [0045] The cured silicone product 24 typically has a hardness, as measured using Shore A hardness specified in ASTM D2240, in a range of from 70 to 95, optionally in a range of from 75 to 95, or optionally in a range of from 75 to 90. The reasons for this are as follows: the cured silicone product may have insufficient strength when its hardness is less than the lower limit for the cited range; when, on the other hand, the upper limit for the cited range is exceeded, the flexibility of the silicone-laminated metal support 20 under consideration tends to be inadequate.

[0046] In order to exhibit a satisfactory flexibility, the cured silicone product 24 is typically formed by a cured silicone product having a tensile strength of at least 10 MPa and an elongation of at least 30 % as specified and measured in accordance with ASTM D412. The tensile strength is typically at least 15 MPa. In these or other embodiments, the elongation is typically at least 50%. The reason for this is that the flexibility of the silicone-laminated metal support 20 becomes unsatisfactory at values below the indicated range.

[0047] A thickness of the cured silicone product 24 is not limited, but it is typically in a range of from 10 to 300 pm, optionally in a range of from 10 to 250 pm, optionally in a range of from 50 to 250 pm, or optionally in a range of from 50 to 175 pm. This is because, if the thickness is equal to or above the lower limit of the ranges described above, the silicone-laminated metal support 20 will have appropriate mechanical strength, whereas if the thickness is equal to or below the upper limit of the ranges described above, the silicone-laminated metal support 20 will have good flexibility.

[0048] In consideration of economic efficiency, the cured silicone product 24 may be obtained by curing a hydrosilylation curable silicone composition, especially the hydrosilylation curable silicone composition comprising:

(A) an alkenyl group-containing organopolysiloxane comprising, optionally consisting essentially of, or optionally consisting of, the following components (A-| ) and (A₂):

(A-|) a linear organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule, and (A₂) a resinous organopolysiloxane comprising, optionally consisting essentially of, or optionally consisting of, SiC>4/₂ units, R¹ ₂R²SiO-|/₂ units, and R¹ gSiO-j /₂ units, wherein R¹ are the same or different monovalent hydrocarbon groups free of aliphatic unsaturated bonds, and R² is an alkenyl group, providing that a content of the alkenyl groups is 0.5 to 5.0 mass%, and wherein a ratio of the total number of moles of the R¹ ₂R²SiO-|/₂ units and R¹3SiO-| /₂ units to 1 mole of the SiO₄/₂ units is in a range from 0.70 to 1.10, wherein a content of component (A₂) is in an amount of from 45 to 65 mass% of total mass of components (A-|) and (A₂); (B) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atom per molecule, in an amount such that the silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms in this component is 0.1 to 5 moles per 1 mole of the alkenyl groups in component (A); and

(C) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst, in a catalytic quantity.

[0049] Component (A) is an alkenyl-containing organopolysiloxane, and is used as a base component of the composition. In various embodiments, component (A) consists essentially of the following components (A- and (A₂).

[0050] Component (A-| ) is a linear organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule. The alkenyl groups in component (A-|) are exemplified by alkenyl groups having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms such as vinyl groups, allyl groups, butenyl groups, pentenyl groups, hexenyl groups, heptenyl groups, octenyl groups, nonenyl groups, decenyl groups, undecenyl groups, and dodecenyl groups. Vinyl groups and allyl groups are typical. Silicon atom-bonded groups other than the alkenyl groups in component (A-| ) are exemplified by alkyl groups having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as methyl groups, ethyl groups, propyl groups, butyl groups, pentyl groups, hexyl groups, heptyl groups, octyl groups, nonyl groups, decyl groups, undecyl groups, and dodecyl groups; aryl groups having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, such as phenyl groups, tolyl groups, xylyl groups, and naphthyl groups; aralkyl groups having from 7 to 12 carbon atoms, such as benzyl groups, phenethyl groups, and naphthylethyl groups; and halogen-substituted alkyl groups having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as 3-chloropropyl groups, and 3,3,3-trif luoropropyl groups. Methyl groups and phenyl groups are typical.

[0051] Component (A-| ) has a substantially straight chain molecular structure, but a portion of the molecular chain may be branched or somewhat branched. The viscosity of component (A-| ) at 25 °C is not limited, but is typically in a range of from 1 ,000 mPa s to 50,000 mPa s, optionally in a range of from 1 ,500 mPa s to 45,000 mPa s, or optionally in a range of from 2,000 mPa s to 45,000 mPa s. The reasons for the preceding are as follows: when the viscosity of component (A-| ) at 25 °C is less than the lower limit cited above, the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition tends to have an unsatisfactory flexibility; when, on the other hand, the viscosity of component (A-| ) at 25 C exceeds the upper limit cited above, the transparency of the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition tends to decline at high temperatures, while the composition assumes an excessively high viscosity and the handling characteristics tend to decline.

[0052] The organopolysiloxanes for component (A-|) are exemplified by dimethylpolysiloxanes endblocked at both molecular chain terminals with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, copolymers of dimethylsiloxane and methylvinylsiloxane endblocked at both molecular chain terminals with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, methylvinylpolysiloxanes endblocked at both molecular chain terminals with trimethylsiloxy groups, copolymers of dimethylsiloxane and methylvinylsiloxane endblocked at both molecular chain terminals with trimethylsiloxy groups, and mixtures of two or more of the preceding.

[0053] Component (A₂) is a resinous organopolysiloxane comprising, optionally consisting essentially of, or optionally consisting of, SiO₄/₂ units, R¹ ₂R²SiO-|/₂ units, and R¹ gSiO-] /₂ units, and is used to impart a satisfactory hardness and flexibility to the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition.

[0054] In the formula, R^ are the same or different monovalent hydrocarbon groups free of aliphatic unsaturated bonds. The hydrocarbon groups for R¹ are exemplified by alkyl groups having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as methyl groups, ethyl groups, propyl groups, butyl groups, pentyl groups, hexyl groups, heptyl groups, octyl groups, nonyl groups, decyl groups, undecyl groups, and dodecyl groups; aryl groups having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, such as phenyl groups, tolyl groups, xylyl groups, and naphthyl groups; aralkyl groups having from 7 to 12 carbon atoms, such as benzyl groups, phenethyl groups, and naphthylethyl groups; and halogen-substituted alkyl groups having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as 3-chloropropyl groups, and 3,3,3-trif luoropropyl groups. Methyl groups and phenyl groups are typical.

[0055] In the formula, each R² independently is an alkenyl group. The alkenyl groups for R² are exemplified by alkenyl groups having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms such as vinyl groups, allyl groups, butenyl groups, pentenyl groups, hexenyl groups, heptenyl groups, octenyl groups, nonenyl groups, decenyl groups, undecenyl groups, and dodecenyl groups. Vinyl groups and allyl groups are typical.

[0056] Component (A₂) has an alkenyl group content of 0.5 to 5.0 mass%, optionally 1 .0 to 5.0 mass%, optionally 2.0 to 5.0 mass%, optionally 3.0 to 5.0 mass%, or optionally 3.0 to 4.5 mass%. The reasons for this are as follows: when the alkenyl group content is less than the cited lower limit, the hardness of the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition tends to decline; when, on the other hand, the alkenyl group content exceeds the cited upper limit, the flexibility of the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition tends to decline.

[0057] The ratio of the total number of moles of R¹ ₂R²SiO-|/₂ and R¹ gSiO-j /₂ units to 1 mole of the SiO₄/₂ unit in component (A₂) is in the range of from 0.70 to 1 .10, or optionally in the range of from 0.80 to 1.10. The reasons for this are as follows: when the ratio is less than the cited lower limit, component (A₂) takes on an excessively large molecular weight and the transparency of the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition may decline; when, on the other hand, the ratio exceeds the upper limit cited above, the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition may have an unsatisfactory strength.

[0058] The content of component (A₂) is in a range of from 20 to 50 mass% of total mass of components (A-|) and (A₂), optionally in a range of from 20 to 45 mass%, or optionally in a range of from 25 to 40 mass%. The reasons for this are as follows: when the content is less than the lower limit on the cited range, the hardness of the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition tends to decline; when, on the other hand, the content exceeds the upper limit on the cited range, the flexibility of the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition tends to decline.

[0059] Component (B) is a silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atom-containing organopolysiloxane, and is used as a crosslinking agent for the present composition. The silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms may be bonded in, for example, terminal position(s) on the molecular chain and/or side chain position(s) on the molecular chain. Silicon atom-bonded groups other than hydrogen atoms in component (B) are exemplified by monovalent hydrocarbon groups free of aliphatic unsaturated bonds as described R¹ . Methyl groups and phenyl groups are typical.

[0060] In certain embodiments, component (B) is a resinous organopolysiloxane comprising, optionally consisting essentially of, or optionally consisting of, SiO₄/₂ units and R¹ ₂HSiO-|/₂ units, wherein R^ are as described above, and wherein a ratio of the total number of moles of the R¹ ₂HSiO-|/₂ units to 1 mole of the SiO₄/₂ units is in a range from 0.70 to 1 .80.

[0061] In the formula, R^ are the same or different monovalent hydrocarbon groups free of aliphatic unsaturated bonds as described above. Methyl groups and phenyl groups are typical. [0062] In the formula, a ratio of the total number of moles of the R¹ ₂HSiO-|/₂ units to 1 mole of the SiO₄/₂ units is in a range of from 0.70 to 1 .80, optionally in a range of from 0.80 to 1 .70, optionally in a range of from 0.90 to 1 .70, or optionally in a range of from 1 .00 to 1 .70. The reasons for this are as follows: when the ratio is less than the cited lower limit, component (B) takes on an excessively large molecular weight and the transparency of the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition may decline; when, on the other hand, the ratio exceeds the upper limit cited above, the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition may have an unsatisfactory strength.

[0063] The content of component (B) in the present composition is an amount that provides from 0.1 to 5 moles, optionally from 0.5 to 3 moles, or optionally from 0.5 to 2 moles of the silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms in this component per 1 mole of the alkenyl groups in component (A). The reasons for this are as follows: when the content is less than the lower limit for the cited range, curing of the composition tends to be unsatisfactory; when, on the other hand, the upper limit for the cited range is exceeded, the flexibility and/or transparency of the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition may be diminished.

[0064] Component (C) is a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst, and promotes curing of the composition. The hydrosilylation reaction catalysts for component (C) are exemplified by platinum-type catalysts, rhodium-type catalysts, and palladium-type catalysts. The platinum- type catalysts are particularly typical. These platinum-type catalysts are exemplified by platinum micropowder, platinum black, platinum supported on silica micropowder, platinum supported on active carbon, chloroplatinic acid, alcohol solutions of chloroplatinic acid, and platinum compounds such as olefin complexes of platinum, alkenylsiloxane complexes of platinum, and the like.

[0065] The content of component (C) in the composition is a catalytic quantity and in specific terms is a quantity that provides 0.01 to 1 ,000 mass-ppm catalyst metal atoms with reference to the present composition. The reasons for this are as follows: when the content is less than the lower limit for the cited range, the risk arises that the cure of the resulting composition will not proceed adequately; on the other hand, curing is not significantly promoted by exceeding the upper limit for the cited range, while the risk arises that problems will appear such as discoloration of the cured silicone product 24.

[0066] The composition may further comprise (D) a hydrosilylation reaction inhibitor in order to adjust the cure rate of the present composition. The hydrosilylation reaction inhibitors for component (D) are exemplified by alkyne alcohols such as 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol, 3,5- dimethyl-1-hexyn-3-ol, 1 -ethynylcyclohexan-1-ol, and 2-phenyl-3-butyn-2-ol; ene-yne compounds such as 3-methyl-3-penten-1-yne, and 3,5-dimethyl-3-hexen-1-yne; as well as 1 ,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1 ,3,5,7-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane, and 1 ,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1 ,3,5,7- tetrahexenylcyclotetrasiloxane, benzotriazole, and the like.

[0067] There is no limitation on the content of component (D) in the composition, and this content may be selected as appropriate as a function of the molding method and curing conditions; however, an amount within the range from 0.001 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (A) is generally utilized.

[0068] The composition may incorporate, insofar as the object of the present invention is not impaired, for example, an adhesion promoter, flame retardant, inorganic filler, a pigment, and so forth. However, as a general matter, an adhesion promoter, flame retardant, and inorganic filler are typically not incorporated from the perspective of the transparency of the cured silicone product 24 provided by curing the composition. [0069] A method of producing the silicone-laminated metal support 20 is not limited, but it is typically shown in FIG. 3, which is a schematic view illustrating a method for producing the silicone-laminated metal support 20 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0070] Firstly, the metal sheet 22 shown in FIG. 4 is prepared by chemical etching, punching, or laser cutting a plane metal sheet. According to FIG. 4, a metal sheet 22 is supported by a substrate 32 to fix a plurality of through holes 34.

[0071] The metal sheet 22 is set on a jig 26 and is coated with a curable silicone composition 28 by a squeegee 30. Then, the curable silicone composition 28 on the metal sheet 22 is cured by heating. FIG. 5 shows a silicone-laminated metal support 20 in which the cured silicone product 24 adheres to one side of the metal sheet 22.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating another method for producing the silicone- laminated metal support 20 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. According to FIG. 6, the metal sheet 22 coated on one side thereof with the cured silicone product 24 is set on a jig 26 and is coated with a curable silicone composition 28 by a squeegee 30 on another side of the metal sheet 22. The curable silicone composition 28 on the metal sheet 22 is cured by heating. FIG. 7 shows a silicone-laminated metal support 20 in which the cured silicone product 24 adheres to both sides of the metal sheet 22.

[0073] Next, the foldable display 46 of the present invention will be explained in detail by using figures.

[0074] FIG. 8 or 9 shows an example of a foldable display 46 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8 or 9, the foldable display 46 comprises: the silicone-laminated metal support 20, wherein the silicone-laminated metal support 20 comprises: a metal sheet 22 and a cured silicone product 24; an optical clear adhesive 36; a flexible device 40; an optical clear adhesive 37; a polarizer film 42; an optical clear adhesive 38; and a cover window 44. As shown in FIG. 8 or 9, the foldable display device 46 is characterizing by having a foldable area 48. The flexible device 40 may also be referred to herein as the flexible display device 40. [0075] In FIG. 8 or 9, the optical clear adhesive 36 is used to adhere the silicone-laminated metal support 20 to a flexible device 40. However, the optical clear adhesive 36 may be optional when the silicone-laminated metal support 20 adheres to the flexible device 40 directly. The optical clear adhesive 36 may be, e.g., a silicone adhesive or an acrylic adhesive. The optical clear adhesive 36 is not limited as long as flexibility of the flexible display 46 is not significantly reduced. Typically, the thickness of the optical clear adhesive 36 is 10 pm or less.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8 or 9, an optical clear adhesive 37 is used to adhere the flexible device 40 to a polarizer film 42, and another optical clear adhesive 38 is used to adhere the polarizer film 42 to a cover window 44. The polarizer film 42 may be disposed on the flexible device 40 to prevent reflection of external light. The optical clear adhesives 37 and 38 may be, e.g., a silicone optical clear adhesive or an acrylic optical clear adhesive. The optical clear adhesives 37 and 38 are not limited as long as flexibility of the flexible display 46 is not significantly reduced. Typically, the thickness of the adhesives 37 and 38 is 100 pm or less. [0077] The cover window 44 is typically made of flexible material such as a plastic material. The cover window 44 may be made of one or more which is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polyarylate (PAR), polycyclic olefin (PCO), and polynorbornene.

[0078] Examples of the foldable display 46 include a cholesteric liquid crystal (LC) display, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display, an electrophoretic (EP) display, and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

Examples

[0079] The silicone-laminated metal support for a foldable display and the foldable display of the present invention will now be described in detail hereinafter using Examples. In the Examples, viscosities are the values at 25 °C. In chemical formulae below, "Me" represents a methyl group, and "Vi" represents a vinyl group.

[0080] The following components were used as component (A).

Component (a-1): a dimethylpolysiloxane endblocked at both molecular chain terminals with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, that has a viscosity of 45,000 mPa s and a vinyl group content of 0.09 mass%.

Component (a-2): a dimethylpolysiloxane endblocked at both molecular chain terminals with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, that has a viscosity of 10,000 mPa s and a vinyl group content of 0.14 mass%.

Component (a-3): a dimethylpolysiloxane endblocked at both molecular chain terminals with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, that has a viscosity of 350 mPa s and a vinyl group content of 0.47 mass%.

Component (a-4): a resinous organopolysiloxane having a vinyl group content of 4.20 mass% and represented by the average unit formula:

(^Me3^Si01/2)o.34 (Me₂ViSiOi/2)o.i 1 (^Si04/2)o.55

[0081] The following component was used as component (B).

Component (b-1): an organopolysiloxane having a silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atom content of 0.96 mass% and represented by the average unit formula:

(Me2HSiO_1/2)-| 58 (SiO₄/₂)i oo

[0082] The following component was used as component (C). Component (c-1 ): a dimethylpolysiloxane endblocked at both molecular chain terminals with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, that has a viscosity of 350 mPa s and a vinyl group content of 0.47 mass%, solution of a 1 ,3-divinyltetramethyl disiloxane platinum complex (platinum metal content in terms of mass units in this component = approximately 1 .7 mass%).

[0083] The following component was used as component (D).

Component (d-1 ): 3,5-dimethyl-1 -hexyn-3-ol

[0084] The following component was used as an adhesion promoter.

Component (e-1): an organopolysiloxane represented by the following average unit formula: [(CH2=CH)(CH3)Si02/2]o.23[^^2(Q)^^^^2Q^3^6^'Q3/2]o.3l [(^^3)2^'Q2/21o.46(^^3Ql/2)o.2

[0085] The following component was used as a pigment.

Component (f-1): carbon black powder. This carbon black powder was added as a master batch consisting of 50 mass% of this carbon black powder and 50 mass% of a dimethylpolysiloxane endblocked at both molecular chain terminals with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, that has a viscosity of 2,000 mPa s and a vinyl group content of 0.23 mass%.

[0086] <Reference Examples 1 to 3>

The components shown in Table 1 further below were mixed to uniformity in the quantity proportions shown in Table 1 to produce hydrosilylation curable silicone compositions. The resulting compositions were heated for 5 minutes at 150 °C to produce the 1 mm-thick cured silicone product, which was submitted to measurement of the tensile strength and elongation. The compositions were also heated for 10 minutes at 150 °C to produce the 6 mm-thick cured silicone product sheet, which was submitted to measurement of the hardness. The results are given in Table 1 . “SiH/Vi” in Table 1 indicates the ratio of the number of moles of silicon atom- bonded hydrogen atoms in component (B) per 1 mole of the vinyl groups in component (A). The properties (hardness, tensile strength, and elongation) of the cured silicone product were tested, measured, or evaluated using the following methods.

[0087] <Hardness>

A 6 mm-thick cured product was fabricated by curing the hydrosilylation curable silicone composition by heating for 10 minutes at 150 °C. The Shore A hardness of this cured silicone product was measured using the type A durometer specified in ASTM D2240.

[0088] <Curability>

The curability of a test material is determined using a moving die rheometer (MDR). MDR measures the torque required to oscillate the lower die through a small arc and the displaced torque, S', increases as the test material cures and is automatically plotted and/or calculated via preset computerized conditions as pound-inch (Newton-meter) versus time. The curve is a function of the test temperature and the characteristics of the cured and uncured test material, i.e., plasticity, scorch time, durometer, cure rate and modulus. The instrument is also capable of measuring non-displaced torque, S" (loss modulus) and calculating Tan Delta (ratio of S"/S'). This test process steps are:

1 . to set the test temperature, time sweep and arc.

2. to prepare or formulate the test material as specified.

3. to weigh out sufficient material to provide 5.0 +/-0.5 mL volume based on specific gravity of material.

4. to place sample between two pieces of a release film 4 x 5 inches (10 x 13 cm) forming a sandwich.

5. to open the rheometer platens, center material on the lower die and close the platens. The testing will automatically start when dies close. Data will print out at the end of the test.

6. to remove sample, open platens, remove cured material and close platens.

Test results show:

Displaced torque, S', (minimum or maximum)

Non-displaced torque, S", (minimum or maximum) ts1 (time to rise of one torque unit above minimum S')

- t10 (time required to complete 10% of maximum cure)

- t50 (time required to complete 50% of maximum cure)

- t90 (time required to complete 90% of maximum cure)

"Torque units" will be assumed to be Ib-in unless otherwise specified.

"Time" will be assumed seconds unless otherwise specified.

Reference test standard is ASTM D 5289-92.

[0089] <Lap Shear>

The adhesion of a test material is determined by measuring the amount of pull required to separate a lap shear laminate. This test process steps are:

1 . to prepare SUS substrates (size: 2.5 cm x 7.6 cm x 0.2 cm T).

2. to clean SUS substrates with Isopropyl alcohol or acetone and allow them to air dry.

3. to prepare appropriate shims to give 0.50 mm sample line thickness (T) and place them on the upper face of SUS substrates.

4. to dispense 1 .5 g of a test material on placed shim with SUS substrate.

5. to lay a second SUS substrate directly on top of the material-dispensed SUS substrate, with the test/adhesion area being 25 mm x 10 mm x 0.5 mm T (as defined by the SUS substrates and shim).

6. to overlap SUS substrate such that is extends past the adhesion area by 2.5 mm.

7. to clamp the sandwiched SUS substrates. 8. to remove the excess material from the sides of the sandwiched SUS substrates.

9. to put laminates with a test material into a specific temperature oven for curing a test material.

10. to place one laminate in a tensile-type testers, such as an Instron materials test machine or a universal testing machine (UTM), and pull the laminate apart at a rate of

50 mm/min.

11 . to repeat the pull with the other two laminates and calculate the pull required to shear the laminate and report the average of the three values in pounds per square inch.

The results are reported in pounds per square inch (psi). The amount of adhesive or cohesive failure is estimated. Reference standards are ASTM D-816, ASTM D-1002, MIL-S-8802 and ASTM C-961.

[0090] [Table 1]

[0091] <Examples IE1 to IE4> An etched SUS sheet shown in FIG. 10 with 150 pm or 250 pm of thickness was used for producing silicone-laminated metal supports comprising the SUS sheet and cured silicone product by curing the curable silicone composition prepared by Reference Example 1 , wherein the cured silicone product with several thicknesses adhered to one side of the SUS sheet with several thicknesses and was filled in through holes. Each size for the etched SUS sheet shown in FIG. 10 are as follows.

LQ=1400 pm; L-j =200 pm; WQ=100 pm; and W-|=200 pm.

Number of lines of through holes = 50

The silicone-laminated metal supports were evaluated by a push press test, a static folding test and a dynamic folding test mentioned below. The results of the test are shown in Table 2 further below.

[0092] < Comparative Examples CE1 to CE6>

A non-etched and plane SUS sheet with 50 pm, 150 pm, or 250 pm of thickness was used for producing silicone-laminated metal support comprising the SUS sheet and cured silicone product by curing the curable silicone composition prepared by Reference Example 1 , wherein the cured silicone product with several thicknesses adhered to one side of the SUS sheet with several thicknesses. The silicone-laminated metal supports were evaluated by push press test, static folding test and dynamic folding test as mentioned below. The results of the test were also shown in Table 2.

[0093] <Push Pressure Test>

As shown in FIG. 11 , the push pressure test is a method of measuring depth of a spherical probe (cp 2mm) by pushing with force (0.36 N). The test result is related to stress releasing performance from external shock. Specifically, the push pressure test method using a texture analyzer is designed to measure or compare the stress releasing performance of samples from internal shock.

[0094] <Static Folding Test>

As shown in FIG. 12, a static folding test is a method of measuring recovery performance after bending for 1 ,000 hours at 105 °C. Static folding test performance is measured by warpage height after making the sample structure flat. A low static folding performance sample shows permanent warpage. A high static folding performance sample would be flat right after releasing the bending force.

[0095] <Dynamic Folding Test>

As shown in FIG. 13, dynamic folding test is a method of measuring recovery performance after dynamic bending at 23 ± 2 °C. Dynamic folding test performance is measured by warpage height after making sample structure flat. Low dynamic folding performance sample shows permanent warpage and pattern bridge break. High dynamic folding performance sample would be flat right after releasing the bending force and there is no pattern bridge break. [0096] [Table 2]

[0097] [Table 2 (Continued)]

An etched SUS sheet shown in FIG. 10 with 150 pm or 250 pm of thickness was used for producing silicone-laminated metal supports comprising the SUS sheet and cured silicone product by curing the curable silicone composition prepared by Reference Example 1 , wherein the cured silicone product with several thicknesses adhered to both sides of the SUS sheet with several thicknesses and was filled in through holes. Each size for the etched SUS sheet shown in FIG. 10 are as follows.

LQ=1400 pm; L-| =200 pm; WQ=100 pm; and W-|=200 pm. Number of lines of through holes = 50

The silicone-laminated metal supports were evaluated by the push press test, static folding test and dynamic folding test mentioned above. The results of the tests are shown in Table 3 below.

[0099] <Comparative Examples CE7 to CE12> A non-etched and plane SUS sheet with 50 pm, 150 pm, or 250 pm of thickness was used for producing silicone-laminated metal support, comprising the SUS sheet and cured silicone product by curing the curable silicone composition prepared by Reference Example 1 , wherein the cured silicone product with several thicknesses adhered to both sides of the SUS sheet with several thicknesses. The silicone-laminated metal supports were evaluated by the push press test, static folding test and dynamic folding test as mentioned above. The results of the tests are also shown in Table 3.

[0100] [Table 3] [0101] [Table 3 (Continued)]

[0102] <Example IE10>

A foldable display 46 shown in FIG. 14 was produced by using the silicone-laminated metal support 10 produced in Example IE9. As for other components shown in FIG. 14, 25 pm of an optical clear adhesive 36, 50 pm of polyimide film as a polarizer film 42, 25 pm of an optical clear adhesive 38, and 30 pm of glass sheet as a cover window 44 were used. The foldable display 46 was evaluated by bending/folding tests, a pen touch protection test, and a ball drop protection test mentioned below. The results of the tests are shown in Table 4 further below. [0103] < Comparative Examples CE13 and CE14>

Comparative foldable displays were produced by using 300 pm of a cured silicone support (for CE 13) and a polyurethane-laminated metal support (for CE14) instead of the silicone- laminated metal support 10 produced in Example IE9. The polyurethane-laminated metal support used in Comparative Example CE14 was composed of 75 pm of a polyurethane foam, 150 pm of a SUS sheet and 75 pm of another polyurethane foam. As for other components in

Comparative foldable displays in Comparative Examples CE 13 and CE14 were the same as those used in Example IE10. The comparative foldable displays were evaluated by the bending/folding tests, the pen touch protection test, and the ball drop protection test mentioned below. The results of the tests are also shown in Table 4.

[0104] < Static Folding Test>

The static folding test is used to validate the recovery performance at bended case in high temperature of 105 °C. This test is measured by a warpage height after aging. This warpage height is related to the permanent deformation. This test process steps are:

1 . to prepare non-etched or etched metal sheets and clean metal sheets with Isopropyl alcohol or acetone and allow them to air dry.

2. to formulate the test material as specified.

3. to coat test material on prepared metal sheets using one example of a method, illustrated in FIG. 3, for producing the silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention.

4. to put coated metal sheet with a test material into a specific temperature oven for curing a test material.

5. to fold coated metal sheet to have 1 mm bending radius and clamp the folded metal sheet using a mechanical jig.

6. to place clamped metal sheet into a high temperature oven at 105 °C for 1 ,000 hours.

7. to release the mechanical jig and place tested sample on the flat table to measure a warpage height.

A low static folding performance sample shows a permanent deformation with a warped shape. A high static folding performance sample would be flat after aging and releasing the bending force in the mechanical jig.

[0105] <Dynamic Folding Test>

The dynamic folding test shows the recovery performance after 200,000 folding cycles with

1 cycle per second at 1 mm folding radius. This test is measured by a warpage height after 200,000 folding cycles. This test process steps are:

1 . to prepare non-etched or etched metal sheets and clean metal sheets with Isopropyl alcohol or acetone and allow them to air dry.

2. to formulate the test material as specified.

3. to coat test material on prepared metal sheets using one example of a method, illustrated in FIG. 3, for producing the silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention.

4. to put coated metal sheet with a test material into a specific temperature oven for curing a test material. 5. to place coated metal sheet in the folding/u nfolding machine with 1 mm bending radius at 23 ± 2 °C for 200,000 folding cycles.

6. to release the folding/unfolding machine and place tested sample on the flat table to measure a warpage height and to inspect etched pattern cracks of the metal sheet.

A low dynamic folding performance sample shows a permanent deformation with a warped shape and etched pattern cracks of the metal sheet. A high dynamic folding performance sample would be flat without pattern cracks after the folding cycle test.

[0106] <Pen Touch Protection Test>

The pen touch protection test is used to evaluate the impact resistance and to typically use the pen drop test method. This test process steps are:

1 . to prepare multilayer structure samples produced in the Examples IE10 and Comparative Examples CE13 / CE14.

2. to prepare a 0.7 mm BIC Orange pen (5.3 g).

3. to vertically stand BIC Orange pen and to drop to a designated position on multilayer structure samples.

4. to inspect and evaluate the state of the substrate based on the following criteria: Good is no nicks and pressing and NG is nicks and pressing present or broken.

5. to record the maximum height of pen drop at Good condition (no nicks and pressing). [0107] <Ball Drop Protection Test>

In the display industry, the ball drop test is used to evaluate the impact resistance. This test process steps are:

1 . to prepare multilayer structure samples produced in the Examples IE10 and Comparative Examples CE13 / CE14.

2. to prepare a 20 g steel ball.

3. to vertically drop the ball to a designated position on multilayer structure samples.

4. to inspect and evaluate the state of the substrate based on the following criteria: Good is no nicks and pressing and NG is nicks and pressing present or broken.

5. to record the maximum height of ball drop at Good condition (no nicks and pressing).

[0108] [Table 4] Industrial Applicability

[0109] Since the silicone-laminated metal support of the present invention can provide the flexible display with good repeatable bendability and good tactile aesthetics (e.g. a good touch feeling), it is advantageous as a bendable support for a flexible display in which high durability is demanded, such as a cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLC) display, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display, an electrophoretic (EP) display, and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

Description of Reference Numerals [0110]

20: Silicone-laminated Metal Support 36, 37, 38: Optical Clear Adhesive

22: Metal Sheet 40: Flexible Device / Flexible Display

24: Cured Silicone Product Device

26: Jig 42: Polarizer Film

28: Curable Silicone Composition 44: Cover Window

30: Squeegee 46: Flexible Display / Foldable Display /

32: Substrate Foldable Display Device

34: Through holes 48: Foldable Area

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46), wherein the silicone- laminated metal support (20) comprises: a metal sheet (22) with a plurality of through holes (34), and a cured silicone product (24) adhered to at least one side of the metal sheet (22), wherein the through holes (34) are formed to bend the silicone-laminated metal support (20) and are filled with the cured silicone product (24).

2. The silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46) according to claim 1 , wherein the metal sheet (22) comprises or is made of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), stainless steel (SUS), nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti), nickel-aluminum (Ni-AI), copper-zinc-nickel (Cu-Zn-Ni), copper-aluminum-nickel (Cu-AI-Ni), copper-aluminum-manganese (Cu-AI-Mn), titanium-nickel-copper-molybdenum (Ti-Ni-Cu-Mo), cobalt-nickel-gallium:iron (Co-Ni-Ga:Fe), silver-nickel (Ag-Ni), gold-cadmium (Au-Cd), iron-platinum (Fe-Pt), iron-nickel (Fe-Ni), or indium-cadmium (In-Cd).

3. The silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46) according to claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the metal sheet (22) is in a range of from 1 to 500 pm.

4. The silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46) according to claim 1 , wherein the through holes (34) are arranged in a first direction parallel to the metal sheet (22), and wherein they are disposed at a position shifted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46) according to claim 1 , wherein the through holes (34) have shape of a rectangle, a square, a lozenge, a circle, an oval, or a mixture thereof.

6. The silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46) according to claim 1 , wherein the cure silicone product (24) has a Shore A hardness of from 70 to 95 as measured in accordance with ASTM D2240.

7. The silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46) according to claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the cured silicone product (24) is in a range of from 10 to 300 pm.

8. The silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46) according to claim 1 , wherein the cured silicone product (24) is obtained by curing a hydrosilylation curable silicone composition (28).

9. The silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46) according to claim 8, wherein the hydrosilylation curable silicone composition (28) comprises:

(A) an alkenyl group-containing organopolysiloxane comprising the following components (A-| ) and (A₂):

(A-| ) a linear organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule, and (A₂) a resinous organopolysiloxane comprising SiC>4/₂ units, R¹ ₂R²SiO-|/₂ units, and R1 gSiO-j i2 units, wherein each R^ is an independently selected monovalent hydrocarbon group free of aliphatic unsaturated bonds, and each R² independently is an alkenyl group, provided that a content of the alkenyl groups in component (A₂) is 0.5 to 5.0 mass%, and wherein a ratio of the total number of moles of the R¹ ₂R²SiO-| /₂ units and R¹ gSiO-j /₂ units to 1 mole of the SiC>4/₂ units is in a range of from 0.70 to 1.10, wherein a content of component (A₂) is in an amount of from 45 to 65 mass% of total mass of components (A-| ) and (A₂);

(B) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atom per molecule, in an amount such that the silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms in component (B) is from 0.1 to 5 moles per 1 mole of the alkenyl groups in component (A); and

(C) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst, in a catalytic quantity.

10. A foldable display (46) comprising: a flexible display device (40), and the silicone-laminated metal support (20) for a foldable display (46) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11 . The foldable display (46) according to claim 10, wherein the flexible display device (40) is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device.