Functional polarizing film and organic light-emitting display apparatus including the same

A functional polarizing film includes a polarizing layer, at least one moisture-binding layer on a first surface of the polarizing layer, and at least one moisture-blocking layer disposed on a first surface of the moisture-binding layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0046206, filed on Apr. 25, 2013, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and entitled: “Functional Polarizing Film and Organic Light Emitting Display Apparatus Including the Same,” is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments relate to a functional polarizing film and an organic light-emitting display apparatus including the same, and more particularly, to a polarizing film having a sealing function and an organic light-emitting display apparatus including the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

An organic light-emitting apparatus includes a hole injection electrode, an electron injection electrode, and an organic light-emitting device including an organic light-emitting layer formed between the hole injection electrode and the electron injection electrode. The organic light-emitting apparatus is a self light-emitting display apparatus in which light is emitted by the transition of excitons, which are generated by the combination of holes injected from the hole injection electrode and electrons injected from the electron injection electrode in the organic light-emitting layer, from an excited state to a ground state.

The organic light-emitting apparatus has received attention as an advanced display device due to the fact that it may be operated at a low voltage and may be formed in a lightweight thin shape because the organic light-emitting apparatus as a self light-emitting display apparatus does not require a separate light source. The organic light-emitting apparatus may also have high-quality characteristics, such as wide viewing angles, high contrast, and fast response speeds.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, there is provided a functional polarizing film including a polarizing layer, at least one moisture-binding layer disposed on one face of the polarizing layer, and at least one moisture-blocking layer disposed on one face of the moisture-binding layer.

The functional polarizing film may further include a support layer for supporting the polarizing layer.

The support layer may include triacetate cellulose (TAC).

The functional polarizing film may further include adhesive layers respectively disposed between the polarizing layer, the moisture-binding layer, and the moisture-blocking layer.

At least one of the moisture-binding layer or the moisture-blocking layer may be formed in plural.

The moisture-binding layer may include a first moisture-binding layer and a second moisture-binding layer, and the moisture-blocking layer may be disposed between the first moisture-binding layer and the second moisture-binding layer.

The moisture-binding layer may block permeation of oxygen.

The polarizing layer may be disposed between the moisture-binding layer and the moisture-blocking layer.

The polarizing layer may be formed by including a dichroic dye in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

The moisture-binding layer and the moisture-blocking layer may each include an organic material.

The moisture-binding layer may include at least one of PVA, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), or poly vinylidene chloride (PVDC).

The moisture-blocking layer may include a cyclo olefin polymer (COP).

According to another embodiment, there is provided an organic light-emitting display apparatus including a display substrate, a plurality of organic light-emitting devices disposed on the display substrate, and a first functional polarizing film sealing the plurality of organic light-emitting devices, wherein the first functional polarizing film includes a polarizing layer, a first moisture-binding layer disposed on one face of the polarizing layer, and a first moisture-blocking layer disposed on one face of the first moisture-binding layer.

The organic light-emitting display apparatus may further include a sealing film disposed between the plurality of organic light-emitting devices and the first functional polarizing film.

The sealing film may be formed of an inorganic layer.

The organic light-emitting display apparatus may further include a second functional polarizing film disposed under the display substrate, wherein the second functional polarizing film includes a polarizing layer; a second moisture-binding layer disposed on one face of the polarizing layer; and a second moisture-blocking layer disposed on one face of the second moisture-binding layer.

The first functional polarizing film may further include an adhesive layer on a surface facing the display substrate.

The organic light-emitting display apparatus may further include adhesive layers respectively disposed between the polarizing layer, the first moisture-binding layer, and the first moisture-blocking layer.

At least one of the first moisture-binding layer or the first moisture-blocking layer may be formed in plural.

The polarizing layer may be disposed between the first moisture-binding layer and the first moisture-blocking layer.

The first moisture-binding layer and the first moisture-blocking layer may each include an organic material.

The first moisture-binding layer may include at least one of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), or poly vinylidene chloride (PVDC).

The first moisture-blocking layer may include a cyclo olefin polymer (COP).

The first moisture-binding layer may block permeation of oxygen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawing figures, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It is also to be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and can be embodied in various forms. For example, when a layer is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. In the specification, the terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless referred to the contrary. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to discriminate one element from another element.

FIG. 1illustrates a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a functional polarizing film10according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1, the functional polarizing film10includes a polarizing layer16, a moisture-binding layer14, and a moisture-blocking layer12. Also, the functional polarizing film10may further include a support layer18and/or at least one adhesive layer11.

The polarizing layer16polarizes light incident thereon from a light source (not shown) into a light beam having a same direction as that of a polarization axis. In some embodiments, the polarizing layer16may be formed by including a polarizer and/or a dichroic dye in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film. The dichroic dye may be iodine molecules and/or dye molecules.

For example, the polarizing layer16may be formed by elongating, e.g., stretching, a PVA film in one direction, and dipping the elongated PVA film in an iodine and/or dichroic dye solution. In this case, iodine molecules and/or dichroic dye molecules are arranged in parallel to a direction of drawing, i.e., the elongation direction of the PVA film. Since the iodine molecules and dye molecules exhibit dichroism, light oscillating in the direction of elongation may be absorbed by the polarizing layer16, while light oscillating in a direction perpendicular to the elongation direction may be transmitted through the polarizing layer16.

The moisture-binding layer14and/or the moisture-blocking layer12may be introduced in order for the functional polarizing film10to perform a sealing function in addition to polarizing light. In other words, the moisture-binding layer14and/or the moisture-blocking layer12may prevent or substantially minimize penetration of moisture and oxygen into the functional polarizing film10.

In general, a polarizing film may increase color reproducibility and/or image clarity by decreasing reflection of external light from display apparatuses. The functional polarizing film10may block and seal internal devices of the display apparatus from external elements, e.g., oxygen and water, in addition to polarizing functions, e.g., in addition to decreasing reflection of external light.

The moisture-binding layer14is disposed at one side of the polarizing layer16. The moisture-binding layer14may hold water by being combined with moisture (H2O) penetrating from the outside. Also, the moisture-binding layer14may block permeation of oxygen. In some embodiments, the moisture-binding layer14may be formed of an organic material. In some embodiments, a material included in the moisture-binding layer14and water may be hydrogen bonded to each other. For example, the moisture-binding layer14may include at least one of PVA, poly vinylidene chloride (PVDC), and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

The moisture-blocking layer12is disposed at one side of the moisture-binding layer14, e.g., the moisture-binding layer14may be between the polarizing layer16and the moisture-blocking layer12. The moisture-blocking layer12may block penetration of moisture. The moisture-blocking layer12may include a material, e.g., an organic material, having high hydrophobicity. As a result, the moisture-blocking layer12may block the penetration of moisture due to its strong repulsion of moisture. For example, the moisture-blocking layer12may include a cyclo olefin polymer (COP). However, the moisture-blocking layer12is not limited thereto, and the moisture-blocking layer12may be formed by including other materials having high hydrophobicity.

Since the functional polarizing film10according to embodiments includes both the moisture-binding layer14and the moisture-blocking layer12, the moisture-binding layer14may hold water which is repelled by the moisture-blocking layer12. That is, the function of blocking the penetration of water of the functional polarizing film10may be further strengthened by the interaction between the moisture-blocking layer12and the moisture-binding layer14.

The support layer18may supplement the mechanical strength of the polarizing layer16by supporting the polarizing layer16. Also, the support layer18may prevent deformation of the polarizing layer16according to changes in temperature or humidity. The support layer18may be disposed on a top surface or a bottom surface of the polarizing layer16, or may be disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the polarizing layer16. The support layer18may be bonded with the polarizing layer16by the adhesive layer11. In some embodiments, the support layer18may include triacetyl cellulose (TAC).

The adhesive layer11may be a member for bonding the polarizing layer16, the moisture-binding layer14, the moisture-blocking layer12, and/or the support layer18to one another. Therefore, the adhesive layer11may be disposed between adjacent layers. The adhesive layer11may be formed of an optically transparent material. A lowermost adhesive layer11of the functional polarizing film10may bond the functional polarizing film10, e.g., the moisture-blocking layer12of the functional polarizing film10, and a display device, in which the functional polarizing film10is to be used.

Various modifications of the functional polarizing film10may be possible based on the above description. For example, at least one of the moisture-binding layer14and the moisture-blocking layer12may be formed in plural. Also, positions of the moisture-binding layer14and/or the moisture-blocking layer12are not limited to the ones illustrated inFIG. 1. Further, a protective layer (not shown) for protecting the functional polarizing film10may be further included.

Referring toFIG. 2, when the functional polarizing film20ofFIG. 2is compared with the functional polarizing film10ofFIG. 1, there is a difference in that the positions of the moisture-binding layer14and the moisture-blocking layer12are switched. That is, in the functional polarizing film10ofFIG. 1, the moisture-binding layer14is between the moisture-blocking layer12and the polarizing layer16. In contrast, in the functional polarizing film20ofFIG. 2, the moisture-blocking layer12is between the moisture-binding layer14and the polarizing layer16.

The positions of the moisture-binding layer14and/or the moisture-blocking layer12are not limited to the ones inFIGS. 1-2. Referring toFIG. 3, the moisture-binding layer14and the moisture-blocking layer12may be disposed on opposite sides of the polarizing layer16. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the moisture-binding layer14may be disposed on a top surface of the support layer18, e.g., as a topmost layer of the functional polarizing film30. Also, although not illustrated inFIG. 3, the moisture-binding layer14may be disposed on a top surface of the polarizing layer16, e.g., between the support layer18and the polarizing layer16. Also, the moisture-blocking layer12may be disposed on the top surface of the polarizing layer16, e.g., between the support layer18and the polarizing layer16, or on the top surface of the support layer18, e.g., as a topmost layer of the functional polarizing film.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, the functional polarizing films40and50are different from the functional polarizing film10ofFIG. 1in that the functional polarizing films40and50include a plurality of moisture-blocking layers12aand12band/or a plurality of moisture-binding layers14aand14b.

For example, the functional polarizing film40ofFIG. 4may include a first moisture-blocking layer12aand a second moisture-blocking layer12b, and the moisture-binding layer14may be disposed between the first moisture-blocking layer12aand the second moisture-blocking layer12b. However, embodiments are not limited to the layer arrangement illustrated inFIG. 4.

In another example, the functional polarizing film50ofFIG. 5may include a first moisture-binding layer14a, the first moisture-blocking layer12a, a second moisture-binding layer14b, and the second moisture-blocking layer12b, which are sequentially disposed. However, embodiments are not limited to the layer arrangement illustrated inFIG. 5, e.g., the layers inFIG. 5may be arranged in any arrangement on one or both sides of the polarizing film16.

Thus, the function of the functional polarizing films40and50for preventing the permeation of outside elements, e.g., moisture and/or oxygen, may be improved as the moisture-blocking layers12aand12band/or the moisture-binding layers14aand14bare formed in plural.

FIG. 6illustrates a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an organic light-emitting display apparatus1including the functional polarizing film10, according to an embodiment. InFIG. 6, though the organic light-emitting display apparatus1including the functional polarizing film10ofFIG. 1is illustrated, either one of the functional polarizing films20,30,40, and50ofFIGS. 2 to 5may be used.

Referring toFIG. 6, the organic light-emitting display apparatus1may include a display substrate21, an organic light-emitting part22, and the functional polarizing film10for sealing the organic light-emitting part22. The functional polarizing film10seal, e.g., completely seals, the organic light-emitting part22.

The display substrate21may be a glass substrate. However, the display substrate21is not limited thereto, and the display substrate21may be a substrate formed of metal or plastic. The display substrate21may be a flexible substrate that may be bent.

The organic light-emitting part22is disposed on one surface of the display substrate21, and may generate an image. The organic light-emitting part22may include a plurality of organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs), as will be described in more detail below.

Since the functional polarizing film10of the organic light-emitting display apparatus1includes the polarizing layer16(seeFIG. 1), image clarity and color reproducibility of the organic light-emitting display apparatus1is improved. Also, since the functional polarizing film10includes both the moisture-binding layer14and the moisture-blocking layer12, the functional polarizing film10prevents or substantially minimizes oxygen and water from penetrating into the organic light-emitting part22. That is, the functional polarizing film10may seal the organic light-emitting part22.

The lowermost adhesive layer11(seeFIG. 1) is prepared as a surface of the functional polarizing film10facing the display substrate21, i.e., a surface of the functional polarizing film10contacting the organic light-emitting part22. Thus, the functional polarizing film10and the organic light-emitting part22may be tightly bonded to each other via the adhesive layer11.

FIG. 7illustrates a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an organic light-emitting display apparatus2including the functional polarizing film10, according to another embodiment. InFIG. 7, though the organic light-emitting display apparatus2including the functional polarizing film10ofFIG. 1is illustrated, either one of the functional polarizing films20,30,40, and50ofFIGS. 2 to 5may be used.

Referring toFIG. 7, the organic light-emitting display apparatus2may include the display substrate21, the organic light-emitting part22, the functional polarizing film10, and a sealing film23. InFIG. 7, like reference numerals as inFIG. 6denote like members, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

The sealing film23is disposed between the organic light-emitting part22and the functional polarizing film10, and seals the organic light-emitting part22. Since the sealing film23is applied to the organic light-emitting display apparatus2, the function of preventing the permeation of outside air into the organic light-emitting part22may be improved, in addition to the sealing by the functional polarizing film10.

The sealing film23may have a structure in which an inorganic layer formed of an inorganic material, e.g., silicon oxide and/or silicon nitride, and an organic layer formed of an organic material, e.g., epoxy and/or polyimide, are alternatingly stacked. The inorganic layer or the organic layer may be each formed in plural.

For example, the organic layer is formed of a polymer and may be a single layer or multilayers formed of any one of polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polycarbonate, epoxy, polyethylene, and polyacrylate. For example, the organic layer may be formed of polyacrylate, e.g., may include a polymerized monomer composition including a diacrylate-based monomer and a triacrylate-based monomer. A monoacrylate-based monomer may be further included in the monomer composition. Also, a known photoinitiator, e.g., 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl diphenyl phosphine oxide (TPO), may be further included in the monomer composition. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The inorganic layer may be a single layer or multilayers including metal oxide or metal nitride. For example, the inorganic layer may include at least one of SiNx, Al2O3, SiO2, and TiO2.

An uppermost layer in the sealing film23, i.e., a layer of the sealing film23exposed to the outside, may be an inorganic layer so as to prevent the penetration of moisture into the organic light-emitting device. For example, the sealing film23may include at least one sandwich structure, in which at least one organic layer is inserted between at least two inorganic layers. Also, the sealing film23may include at least one sandwich structure, in which at least one inorganic layer is inserted between at least two organic layers.

The sealing film23may sequentially include a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, and a second inorganic layer above the organic light-emitting part22. Also, the sealing film23may sequentially include a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, a second inorganic layer, a second organic layer, and a third inorganic layer above the organic light-emitting part22. Also, the sealing film23may sequentially include a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, a second inorganic layer, a second organic layer, a third inorganic layer, a third organic layer, and a fourth inorganic layer above the organic light-emitting part22.

A halogenated metal layer including LiF may be further included between the organic light-emitting part22and the first inorganic layer of the sealing film23. The halogenated metal layer may prevent damage to the organic light-emitting part22when the first inorganic layer is formed by sputtering or plasma deposition.

The first organic layer of the sealing film23may have an area smaller than that of the second inorganic layer, and the second organic layer may also have an area smaller than that of the third inorganic layer. Also, the first organic layer is completely covered, e.g., sealed, by the second inorganic layer, and the second organic layer may also be completely covered, e.g., sealed, by the third inorganic layer.

As another example, the sealing film23may have a layer structure including low-melting glass, e.g., tin oxide (SnO). However, embodiment ns are not limited thereto.

As described above, the sealing film23may have various configurations. However, while the sealing film23was described as including multiple layers, the sealing film23may also be formed of a single inorganic layer for process simplicity and cost reduction.

FIG. 8illustrates a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an organic light-emitting display apparatus3according to another embodiment. InFIG. 8, though the organic light-emitting display apparatus3including the functional polarizing film10ofFIG. 1is illustrated, either one of the functional polarizing films20,30,40, and50ofFIGS. 2 to 5may be used.

Referring toFIG. 8, the organic light-emitting display apparatus3may include multiple functional polarizing films. That is, the organic light-emitting display apparatus3may include the display substrate21, the organic light-emitting part22, the functional polarizing film10sealing the organic light-emitting part22, and a functional polarizing film10′ disposed under the display substrate21. InFIG. 8, like reference numerals as inFIG. 6denote like members, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

The functional polarizing film10′ is disposed under the display substrate21and thus, may prevent outside air from penetrating into the organic light-emitting part22through the display substrate21. Also, in a case where the organic light-emitting display apparatus3is a bottom-emission type, in which light is emitted from a bottom surface of the display substrate21, the functional polarizing film10′ may be used for image clarity and color reproducibility.

Either one of the functional polarizing films10,20,30,40, and50ofFIGS. 1 to 5may be used as the functional polarizing film10′. Also, various modifications may be possible based on the functional polarizing films10,20,30,40, and50.

Referring toFIG. 9, the organic light-emitting display apparatus1may include the display substrate21, the polarizing film10, a buffer layer211, a thin film transistor (TR), an OLED, and a pixel-defining layer219. InFIG. 9, like reference numerals as inFIG. 6denote like members, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

The buffer layer211may prevent diffusion of impurity ions into a top surface of the display substrate21, may prevent penetration of moisture or outside air, and may planarize the surface of the display substrate21. In some embodiments, the buffer layer211may be formed of an inorganic material, e.g., silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, titanium oxide, and titanium nitride, an organic material, e.g., polyimide, polyester, and acryl, or a stack thereof. The buffer layer211may be omitted if necessary.

The TR may include an active layer212, a gate electrode214, and source and drain electrodes216and217. A gate dielectric layer213may be disposed between the gate electrode214and the active layer212to insulate therebetween.

The active layer212may be prepared on the buffer layer212. An inorganic semiconductor, e.g., amorphous silicon or polysilicon, or an organic semiconductor may be used as the active layer212. In some embodiments, the active layer212may be formed of an oxide semiconductor. For example, the oxide semiconductor may include an oxide of a metal element of Group 12, 13, or 14, e.g., zinc (Zn), indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), and/or hafnium (Hf).

The gate dielectric layer213may be prepared on the buffer layer211to cover the active layer212, and the gate electrode214may be formed on the gate dielectric layer213. An interlayer dielectric215may be formed on the gate dielectric layer213to cover the gate electrode214, and the source electrode216and the drain electrode217may be formed on the interlayer dielectric215to respectively contact the active layer212through contact holes.

The above-described structure of the TR is not necessarily limited thereto, and TRs having various structures may be used. For example, the TR inFIG. 9is formed to have a top gate structure, but may be formed to have a bottom gate structure, in which the gate electrode24is disposed under the active layer212.

A pixel circuit (not shown), including a capacitor as well as the TR, may be formed. A planarization layer218for covering the pixel circuit including the TR may be prepared on the interlayer dielectric215. The planarization layer218may remove a step height and planarize so as to improve the luminous efficiency of the OLED prepared thereon.

The OLED may be disposed on the planarization layer218. The OLED may include a first electrode221, an organic light-emitting layer220, and a second electrode222. The pixel-defining layer219may be disposed on the planarization layer218and the first electrode221, and may define a pixel region and a non-pixel region.

The organic light-emitting layer220may be formed using a low molecular weight or polymer organic material. In a case where the low molecular weight organic material is used, a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an emission layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL) may be formed by being stacked in a single or composite structure. The above low molecular weight organic material may be formed by vacuum deposition. The EML may be independently formed for each red (R), green (G), and blue (B) pixel, and the HIL, HTL, ETL, and EIL may be commonly applied to the R, G, and B pixels as common layers.

In a case where the organic light-emitting layer220is formed of a polymer organic material, only the HTL may be included, centered on the EML, in a direction of the first electrode221. The HTL may be formed on the first electrode221by inkjet printing or spin coating using poly-(2,4)-ethylene-dihydroxy thiophene (PEDOT) or polyaniline (PANI). A polymer organic material, e.g., polyphenylene vinylene (PPV) and polyfluorene, may be used as an organic material usable in the above case, and a color pattern may be formed using a common method, e.g., inkjet printing, spin coating, or thermal transfer using a laser beam.

The HIL may be formed of a phthalocyanine compound, such as copper phthalocyanine, or starburst-type amines such as TCTA or m-MTDATA, and m-MTDAPB.

The first electrode221may be disposed on the planarization layer218and may be electrically connected to the drain electrode217of the TR through a through hole208penetrating through the planarization layer218. The first electrode221may function as an anode, and the second electrode222may function as a cathode. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and polarities of the first electrode221and the second electrode222may be reversed.

In a case where the first electrode221functions as an anode, the first electrode221may be formed of a material having a high work function, e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), ZnO, or In2O3. In a case where the organic light-emitting display apparatus1is a top-emission type, in which an image is generated in a direction opposite to the display substrate1, the first electrode221may further include a reflection layer including, e.g., silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), ytterbium (Yb), or calcium (Ca). The above metals may be used alone or in combination thereof. Also, the first electrode221may be formed in a single layer structure or a multilayer structure including the above-described metal and/or alloy. In some embodiments, the first electrode221as a reflective electrode may include an ITO/Ag/ITO structure.

In a case where the second electrode222functions as a cathode, the second electrode222may be formed of a metal, e.g., Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, or Ca. In the case where the organic light-emitting display apparatus1is a top-emission type, the second electrode222may be light transmissible. In some embodiments, the second electrode222may be formed by including a transparent conductive metal oxide, e.g., ITO, IZO, zinc tin oxide (ZTO), ZnO, or In2O3.

In another embodiment, the second electrode222may be formed of a thin film including at least one of, e.g., Li, Ca, LiF/Ca, LiF/Al, Al, Ag, Mg, or Yb. For example, the second electrode222may be formed to have a single layer structure or a multilayer structure of Mg:Ag, Ag:Yb, and/or Ag. Different from the first electrode221, the second electrode222may be formed to allow a common voltage to be applied to all pixels.

The pixel-defining layer219has a plurality of openings exposing the first electrode221and defines the pixel region and non-pixel region of the OLED. The organic light-emitting layer220may emit light as the first electrode221, the organic light-emitting layer220, and the second electrode222are sequentially stacked in the opening of the pixel-defining layer219. That is, a region having the pixel-defining layer219formed therein substantially becomes the non-pixel region, and the opening of the pixel-defining layer219substantially becomes the pixel region.

As described above, since the OLED includes the first electrode221, the second electrode222, and the organic light-emitting layer220formed of an organic material, characteristics of the OLED may be potentially degraded due to moisture or oxygen. However, since the functional polarizing film10according to embodiments has a sealing function, in addition to a polarizing function, the functional polarizing film10may prevent the degradation of the characteristics of the OLED by preventing the penetration of moisture and oxygen.

Also, since the functional polarizing film10seals the organic light-emitting part22without using a separate sealing structure, a thickness of the organic light-emitting display apparatus1may be decreased. Further, the manufacturing process may be simplified and costs may be reduced.

By way of summary and review, an organic light-emitting device, e.g., an organic light emitting diode (OLED), is very vulnerable to an external environment, e.g., oxygen and water, and requires a sealing structure. However, a conventional sealing structure of an organic light-emitting device may require numerous processes, which increase costs and manufacturing complexity. Further, the conventional sealing structure may increase an overall thickness of the organic light-emitting display apparatus.

In contrast, the functional polarizing film according to embodiments includes a moisture-binding layer and a moisture-blocking layer, in addition to a polarizing film, so penetration of moisture and/or oxygen may be prevented. Also, since the functional polarizing film may seal an organic light-emitting part in an organic light-emitting display apparatus, a separate sealing structure may be omitted, thereby decreasing an overall thickness of the organic light-emitting display apparatus, simplifying the manufacturing process, and reducing manufacturing costs.