Cohesive Circuit Protection for Irresistible Electronics

In today’s scenario, most of the Electronics devices aren’t waterproof which elevates concern. Adding to the fury, some electronics can be made at least water-resistant. Flexible electronics are a whole new dimension to the resistibility theory. The sealant materials of the electronic devices must be able to bend, but the existing devices show that the current tech would lead the sealant to crack or separate the device.

The water-resistant Electronics devices would not be useful for any more experiences. Addressing the issue, the researchers are determined to come up with a solution on how to provide a coating to these devices. Cellulose nanofibers could cover the coating for flexible electronics. It consists of materials like polymer for better resistance and longer durability.

“In our initial work, and unprotected copper electrode failed after 5 minutes of dripping water onto it,” says Takaaki Kasuga, lead author. “Remarkably, a cellulose nanofiber coating prevented failure over at least a day of the same water challenge.”

Cellulose fibers do not repel water, instead, the polymer coating migrates in the electrode in such a way as to prevent the formation of loopholes that causes short circuits. The electrodes even maintained their function after the cellulose collapsed to simulate the bending damage.

The extraction of the scratch suggests that the cohesive techniques need to be implicated to avoid the threat of short circuits. The nanofiber aggregates in the water to form a protective layer made cohesive by accumulating acidic conditions and polymer cross-linking. They’ll become a staple of wearable electronics, and perhaps even medical devices, in the coming years. The polymer coating if made cohesive could prevent hefty damage to the Electronics devices, and such coatings could prosper safer utilization.