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Ion-Mask Coating Could Make Waterproofing Electronics Easy

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the spray-on-foan-rubber dept.

Engadget is reporting that a new chemical coating, originally designed to repel toxic vapors and liquids from soldiers' uniforms, may be the solution to small waterproof electronics. "The Ion-Mask is a special invisible coating that is chemically bonded to the device and repels water. It should allow waterproofing to make it into devices that are too small for the seals that are usually used to do the trick. Devices can have joins and gaps coated for a general level of water repellence, or have individual components treated for even more protection."

9 of 99 comments (clear)

  1. quite useful by pwnies · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Considering that I just sent my iPod through a ride in the washing machine, this could be quite useful. Not only for waterproofing, but also for cleaning electronics. Sure you can send your keyboard through the dishwasher, but you still have to let it dry for quite a while. It'd be a nice way to clean more intricate electronics as well.

    1. Re:quite useful by jimmyswimmy · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I don't know why this is a big deal for the Slashdot crowd. Might be nice for keeping the water out of my sneaks, but for electronics? Conformal coatings (like Humiseal) have been around forever... they're just expensive and make rework miserable.

      Don't think this would work all that well on entire systems. Remember, most battery-module interfaces are connectorized. If you overcoat the connector, you will reduce surface contact between the connector sides, which increases electrical resistance. In other words, a little jiggle on the connector and your device resets itself.

      If they don't waterproof the connector, no problem, but then you destroy the battery when the phone or ipod or whatever goes in the toilet. Which is better than losing the whole device, but most consumers won't know the difference. Or they use waterproof connectors which are bulky and expensive and don't belong in the middle of consumer equipment.

      --

      Just my $0.55 (US inflation, 1774-2008, for $0.02)
  2. Other applications... by illegibledotorg · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I guess this could be nice in the "small device" application that they mention, but other bigger devices come to mind:

    - Ever ruin a laptop by spilling soda on it? It might still be sticky, but you wouldn't fry the motherboard.
    - Ever tried waterproofing an outdoor AP or camera? You have to be very aggressive -- this could make things easier.

    It would be great if this stuff came to market like a Rustoleum-type spray.

    1. Re:Other applications... by blankinthefill · · Score: 3, Interesting

      I thought of this too, but it brings up some important things to consider first: 1. Will the treatment inhibit heat transfer? Does it even stand up under heat? The article was pretty vague on that point, but if the answer to the first one is yes, or the second one is no, then that would limit its functionality greatly when expanding it to uses outside those mentioned in the article, namely phones. 2. Cost. How much does it cost to do this? and, more importantly, would there be a way to do it yourself, or to bring something in somewhere and get it done for you? If the is prohibitive, then it also lowers the usefulness, but if its cheap, easy to use, and you don't have to have a contract with them to get it done... this could end up being a pretty nice addition to ANY portable electronics.

  3. Surfactant resistant? by G4from128k · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Although this coating may make something waterproof, I'd doubt that it makes the device surfactant-resistant. Soapy water (in the shower, tub, sink, or washing machine) does not have the high surface tension or tendency to be repelled by hydrophobic substances that I'd bet this coating depends on.

    Of course, I could be wrong and would enjoy an informative post that proves that this coating can survive suds.

    --
    Two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do.
  4. Re:Lame by emeraldfoxx · · Score: 4, Funny

    either way you'll still get a splash out of the bugger. Viva la Revolution!

    --
    We're in college now. There's girls here. They do stuff....
  5. Could it be? by hyades1 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Is this anything like that "Girl Repellent" stuff that Trekkies spray on themselves before going out to singles bars?

    --
    I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
  6. What if?? by iknownuttin · · Score: 4, Funny
    What if you coated your face with it?

    Then you'd be the man in the Ion mask!

    Thank you! And have a Happy New Year!

    --
    I prefer Flambe as apposed flamebait.
  7. alternative to seals by tverbeek · · Score: 4, Funny

    It should allow waterproofing to make it into devices that are too small for the seals that are usually used to do the trick.
    Have they tried baby seals?
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    http://alternatives.rzero.com/