Best material for a shock resistant phone case

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the best materials for a shock-resistant phone case, focusing on modern aesthetics and functionality. Participants explore various materials, including Carbon Nanotubes and Ballistic Nylon, while considering their properties in terms of shock absorption and durability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes Carbon Nanotubes as an ideal material for shock resistance, citing its strength and potential softness.
  • Another participant questions the shock absorbency of Carbon Nanotubes, referencing its stiffness as a potential drawback.
  • A participant suggests that current rubber and polymer-based cases are effective shock absorbers and inquires about other materials considered.
  • One participant expresses a desire to find innovative materials, mentioning Ballistic Nylon as another option they have explored.
  • Another participant discusses the importance of "stopping distance" in impact scenarios, suggesting that thicker soft materials may be more effective than thinner hard ones, while also noting the need to consider bending forces.
  • A later reply proposes a design combining a thick soft outer material with a hard inner shell to address both impact and bending forces, while also raising questions about protection against heat and water.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability of Carbon Nanotubes for shock resistance, with some supporting its potential and others questioning its effectiveness. There is no consensus on the best material, and multiple competing views remain regarding the design and functionality of phone cases.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of material properties, such as the balance between shock absorption and protection against bending forces. There are also unresolved considerations regarding protection against environmental factors like heat and water.

Zenvix
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Hey!

What do you guys think is the best modern looking material for a shock resistant phone case?

I've been snooping around and stumbled upon a material called Carbon Nanotube, from the looks of things it looks quite ideal.

What do you guys also think about Carbon Nanotubes?

My idea is to have a durable but soft material that can withstand a shock/fall and on the inside, I would leave a little room where I would have some sort of soft polymer
 
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Zenvix said:
Hey!

What do you guys think is the best modern looking material for a shock resistant phone case?

I've been snooping around and stumbled upon a material called Carbon Nanotube, from the looks of things it looks quite ideal.

What do you guys also think about Carbon Nanotubes?
Welcome to the PF.:smile:

Can you say more about why you are considering that type of material? I'm no expert, but from reading Wikipedia, it seems to be too dtiff to be very shock absorbent.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.:smile:

Can you say more about why you are considering that type of material? I'm no expert, but from reading Wikipedia, it seems to be too dtiff to be very shock absorbent.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube

Thank you! :)

The reason I was considering the material is because I thought it is was a strong material that was also soft. (I'm still researching into Carbon Nanotubes at the moment so I don't know a whole lot about it)

Do you have any materials in mind that would be a good shock absorber?
 
Zenvix said:
Do you have any materials in mind that would be a good shock absorber?
It seems like the current rubber and polymer based phone cases work pretty well. Is this for a schoolwork project? What other materials have you looked into?
 
berkeman said:
It seems like the current rubber and polymer based phone cases work pretty well. Is this for a schoolwork project? What other materials have you looked into?

I see what you mean but as stupid as it sounds I personally want to try and find an innovative material that would work really well for a Phone case also it's not for a school project. Recently, I've also looked into Ballistic Nylon.

Ballistic Nylon and Carbon Nanotubes are currently the only two materials I have looked into because I don't have a lot of time on my hands.
 
During an impact the "stopping distance" significantly determined the rate of deceleration and impact forces. So a thick soft material should be better than a thin hard material. However it won't protect the phone as well against bending forces. Your first task is to figure out what you want to protect the phone from.
 
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Couldnt you have a thick soft material around an inner hard shell, so that the inner shell protects against bending forces but the outer shell protects against impacts, also have you thought about protecting against other things such as heat or water, do you only wish to worry about impact or also other forces?
 
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