Smudge Proof and Reflection Resistant Touchscreens Coming to Smartphones?

If you are a user of touchscreen smartphones or other touchscreen devices, you may wonder why some screens are always easily blurred with fingerprints and become less visible under sunlight. A group of scientists from the American Chemical Society may have found the answer now.

Since the appearance of a consumer product is as important as its functionality, coatings that are resistant to smudge, scratch and reflection have become a standard feature on all high-end touchscreen handsets. These coatings are effective but their structures and mechanisms are hard to understand. That is why Steven R. Carlo, Ph.D., and colleagues developed a test that is capable of assessing the performance of smudge and reflection resistant coatings on the touchscreen displays.

By running the test, the scientists can have a better understanding of the chemistry of the coatings and work on improving their formulations and performance. These modifications can offer better resistance to fingerprints, anti-reflection properties or enhance physical resistance, according to Carlo.

The basic material of anti-smudge coatings is called perfluoro alkyl ehter, a derivative of Teflon with added chemicals that strengthens its repellent effects. Anti-reflective materials use alternating layers of silica and aluminum to bend and diffuse light to reduce glare. By applying the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique, the scientists discovered that in general, the greater the number of layers are used in a coating, the greater the anti-reflective properties. The team also found that more silica and aluminum layers would bring better glare reduction. In times ahead, the test will probably bring us touchscreens with higher clarity, toughness and brightness.

In the meantime, to keep your phone in good condition, you still need a number of cell phone accessories. For example, a LCD protective film is the most crucial item for a touchscreen display, as it can protect the screen from dust, scratches and stains, and are resistant to reflection and UV light. Other than the display, the phone body should also be taken care of with a silicon skin case, a snap-on cover, a leather pouch case or other protective cases, so that your phone will always be free from damages and look new.

With these add-ons, you will surely be able to get the most of your handset.

Tags: LCD Protective Film For Cellular Phone, Clear Touch Shield Protective Cover For iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S, Cellular Case, Silicon Skin Case, Snap-on Covers, Black Hartmann Universal Cell Phone Leather Pouch