Abstract: An improved transparent support substrate in an organic light emitting diode (OLED) device comprises an organic polymer support film and a composite layer on the support film which is disposed intermediate the support film and the diodes of the OLED; the composite layer has first and second discrete coating layers bonded together in opposed facing relationship; the layers are of material impermeable to oxygen and water vapor but contain inadvertent discontinuities which result in discontinuity-controlled permeation of oxygen and water vapor.

Abstract: A multilayer structure has barrier properties for gases and vapors, for example oxygen and water vapor; the structure comprises: an organic substrate layer, and a multilayer permeation barrier thereon; the barrier comprises: a) a first inorganic coating contacting a surface of the substrate layer, and b) a first organic coating contacting a surface of the inorganic coating; the structure may be employed in a variety of articles where barrier properties are important especially in electronic articles such as organic light emitting diode devices where superior barrier characteristics over the life of the device are required.