We live in a complete digital bubble. Your phone becomes your portal to the New York Times, weather forecasts and streaming services for your favorite shows. Everything is wrapped in polished glass and aluminum. The camera is sharp. The speakers are clear. Your finger is a capacitive sensor that bends light and records pressure.
Works perfectly. Until I saw it.
Then you see the dirt. Fats. Every swipe or tap leaves a fingerprint. This is a low-tech problem for a high-tech machine. We have achieved extreme miniaturization and processing power. We are still not aware that human hands are dirty.
Is there a screen that can be kept clean without a microfiber cloth? The answer is probably yes. It’s already here.
Cleaning chemicals
Researchers are looking for materials that can prevent oil from transferring to the screen. One promising means involves titanium dioxide. You can tell by looking at sunscreen and cosmetics. It is a photocatalyst. On contact, it destroys microorganisms and decomposes organic matter.
Imagine spraying this compound on your screen. Sunlight and artificial light can cause chemical reactions. These oils break down before visible stains form. The screen is cleaned automatically. This is not magic. This is basic chemistry that does the heavy lifting.
Waterproof/oil resistant
German researchers are using superhydrophobic surfaces to investigate further. Amphiphilic means that it repels both water and oil. This is unusual. Most paint deals with one of these. A true superhydrophobic surface creates a barrier that allows liquid to bead and roll.
They tested this by covering the surface with soot. The surface is heated during the combustion process. The result is a fine texture that is not sticky even with heavy oil. Water and oil slide away as droplets, leaving the surface untouched. Creating it is painstaking. The results remain intact.
Japan’s Toray also joined the fray. We have introduced a film with a wet coating that resists fingerprints. Add an oleophobic layer to the surface. The goal is simple. The screen feels dry to the touch. Prevents oil build-up.
Oleophobic standard
No need to wait for these new materials. Apple solved this problem with an oleophobic coating. This is the standard for most high-end smartphones today. It repels oil. It won’t stop getting dirty. It doesn’t kill bacteria. But it makes removing fingerprints easier.
Apple applied for a patent in February 2011. This patent is believed to improve the methods currently in use. I’m still waiting to see if the latest iteration makes a noticeable difference. This patent suggests increased durability. Wear on the coating. A good application lasts longer.
Cleaning at the same time
Until science understands your usage habits, you should clean your screen. Use a case. Protects the glass from fingers. However, they often sacrifice clarity. The picture looks soft. The colors look dull. Balance touch sensitivity with cleanliness.
Wipe the screen with a soft cloth. Microfiber is the best. Avoid using paper towels. It scratches. If you need more power, spray the cloth with distilled water. You can also use a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar. Do not spray liquids directly onto the device. Avoid liquid ingress. Electronic devices will be damaged. Spray on fabric. Wipe the screen. Allow to dry.
The future of connections
We are moving to displays that are resistant to environmental effects. Superhydrophobic coatings are still in the research phase. The effectiveness of titanium dioxide coatings has been studied. The oleophobic layer is here, but it breaks down.
Next generation screens may not require cleaning at all. It can only remove dirt. Sounds like a small thing. However, a cleaner screen would be a better interface. It can reduce eye fatigue. Improves touch accuracy. Maintain aesthetics.
We have created a device that can calculate orbits. Shiny thumbs cannot be completely prevented. But we’re getting closer. The science is there. The technology is maturing. Wait.
