Chemically resistant touch screen Chemically Resistant

ULTRA GFG touch screens by Interelectronix were tested for their chemical resistance according to the conventional methods. The surface of the GFG glass-film-glass touch screen is made of micro glass and not of polyester as other resistive touch screens. Accordingly, they are resistant to spilled liquids such as cola, beer or wine just as effectively as to cleaning agents, detergents or disinfectants. For this reason, ULTRA GFG touch screens qualify excellently in clinical settings and also in very harsh industrial environments.

RESISTANT TO CHEMICALS

Chemical resistance describes the durability of materials or mixtures of materials used against the effects of chemicals. This is particularly interesting in the case of outer polyester layers, which can change under the influence of chemical substances. If, for example, molecules of these liquids diffuse into the polymer chains, swelling or softening may occur and consequently also impair the functional performance. Thus, chemically resistance means that the material maintains its characteristic mechanical, physical and chemical properties (or changes them extremely slowly in the technical practice), even if chemical substances interfere in any way. These include firmness, coloration and chemical composition, for example.

Apart from many other standards, the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) also established standards for the test methods used to determine chemical resistance. Two standards are important to touch panels: ASTM D1308-87 describes the test methods used for household chemicals used on clear or pigmented organic materials and ASTM F1598-95 the effect of liquid chemicals on a keypad membrane or a graphic overlay. They concern visible changes to the surface.

ASTM D1308-87

The ULTRA GFG touch screen surface by Interelectronix was tested according to ASTM F1598-95 and is insensitive to ASTM F1598-95 chemicals after an application time of one hour at 22° C and 45% humidity.

ASTM F1598-95

Liquid chemicals are: tea, coffee, tomato sauce, mustard, vinegar, beer, Coca Cola, red wine, cooking oil, detergents, rinses and cleaners, bleaching agents and hydrogen peroxide, various alcohols, acetones, methyl ethyl ketones (MEK) as well as lubricants and propellants, such as oils, diesel or petrol.