Best material for a phone case?

[jinxerr]

Cost is not really an issue (to an extent). The only requirements are that it is as strong and thin as possible whilst remaining *slightly* flexible. I know very little about this so any help is appreciated

 

[Danger]

Sometimes old-fashioned tried-and-true methods are best. Would leather be too thick?

 

[jinxerr]

leather would be too thick really. I'm looking for an innovative material if possible... As stupid as that may sound. I just don't think what's being used at the moment is that good

 

[Danger]

As stupid as that may sound

It doesn't sound the least bit stupid. My question was just in aid of setting the parameters of your search.
Maybe ballistic nylon would suit your purpose. I don't like the stuff myself, but it's pretty popular for wallets, dart sacks, backpacks, etc.. It's very thin, quite tough, can be waterproof if treated properly, and is very flexible. I have 2 dart sacks; I keep my darts in one and my lock picks in the other.

 

[mrspeedybob]

What kinds of hazards are you tryin to protect the phone from? If shock is primary hazard (as in from dropping th phone) then case thickness is going to be proportional to the phones stopping distance. It is imposible for the case to be thin and absorb shock.

 

[VinnyCee]

Carbon nanotubes are quite strong. It would be easier to brainstorm if you quatifid some of your requirements, such as Young's modulus, tensile strength, etc.

 

[jinxerr]

shock hazard is the only hazard I am interested in. The case's thickness / weight is important for aesthetics and ease of use, ultimately there will be a compromise to be found.

In terms of tensile strength etc... I only have an A* at physics GCSE lol, I am out of my depth when it comes to this stuff. I have heard about carbon nanotubes before, ballistic nylon I will look into. I am ready to step up this project now so any suggestions are welcome and thanks for all the help, it's much appreciated.

 

[Vanadium 50]

You don't want something strong - which transmits the shock. You want something soft - which absorbs the shock.

 

[jinxerr]

ok Vanadium that makes sense. What would you suggest?

 

[Vanadium 50]

Leather was suggested and rejected. Styrofoam is better still, but even thicker.

 

[ChaseRLewis73]

Composite case based on alumina and a padded interior is what I'd choose. Alumina is really strong and hard. You can buy it in blocks but you'd have to pay to get it machined. Alumina with specifics mixes dopants makes rubies / sapphires but the pure aluminum oxide form (alumina) is used to make tings like hip bone replacements. Ti : Sapphire lasers are used by taking 99.999% alumina mixes and doping them wit Titanium ions. They use alumina in high end cell phone PCB's because it is a good conductor of heat despite being a horrible conductor of electricity. Lot's of other reasons.

You could make it in two pieces that slide together with excess room where i'd put something soft like leather, styrofoam ,soft polymers, etc.

 

[ChaseRLewis73]

Composite case based on alumina and a padded interior is what I'd choose. Alumina is really strong and hard. You can buy it in blocks but you'd have to pay to get it machined. Alumina with specifics mixes dopants makes rubies / sapphires but the pure aluminum oxide form (alumina) is used to make tings like hip bone replacements. Ti : Sapphire lasers are used by taking 99.999% alumina mixes and doping them wit Titanium ions. They use alumina in high end cell phone PCB's because it is a good conductor of heat despite being a horrible conductor of electricity. Lot's of other reasons.

You could make it in two pieces that slide together with excess room where i'd put something soft like leather, styrofoam ,soft polymers, etc.

 

[ChaseRLewis73]

Composite case based on alumina and a padded interior is what I'd choose. Alumina is really strong and hard. You can buy it in blocks but you'd have to pay to get it machined. Alumina with specifics mixes dopants makes rubies / sapphires but the pure aluminum oxide form (alumina) is used to make tings like hip bone replacements. Ti : Sapphire lasers are used by taking 99.999% alumina mixes and doping them with Titanium ions. They use alumina in high end cell phone PCB's because it is a good conductor of heat despite being a horrible conductor of electricity. Lot's of other reasons.

You could make it in two pieces that slide together with excess room where i'd put something soft like leather, styrofoam ,soft polymers, etc.