Feature: Displays
As natural light hits the screen’s surface, Figure 4: The nano-silver particulate principle of destroying surface bacteria
the technology reacts with moisture in the air to form ROS. Tis continuous cloud of ROS constantly attacks and destroys the harmful bacteria it encounters, leaving a hygienic, germ-free surface that blocks bacterial growth even in the dark, ensuring 24/7 protection; see Figure 5. Using this technology gives effective and maintenance-free antimicrobial screens for the lifetime of a touchscreen. Tis technology can be built into the touchscreens during manufacture or retrofitted to existing screens.
The future and safety of touchscreens Touchscreens are here to stay – for a while at least – so they must be safe. In high-use environments it is unlikely that anyone is going to stand by the kiosk or terminal to clean after each use. It is also important to consider our
environment and make sure the products we use are not going to leach into the electronics but also into the ecosystem. There are films and sprays that can
be applied to screens, which are highly effective but with limited lifespan and effectiveness. There are also situations where gloves can be used, for example on capacitive screens. The public is now more aware than
Figure 5: Clouds of ROS constantly attack and destroy the harmful bacteria on surfaces
when titanium reacts with oxygen in the air. It acts as a photocatalyst using UV light, and can be used in many formulations that exhibit antimicrobial properties against a whole range of micro- organisms. When exposed to ultraviolet light, it breaks down water vapour in the air to produce free oxygen radicals that will attack whatever is on the surface, including organic materials such bacteria’s cell membranes. Adding titanium to the surface of a touchscreen not only gives an antimicrobial surface but it reduces the appearance of oils that come off fingers. It
30 March 2021
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is also deemed environmentally safe. For touchscreens, there are titanium-
based dioxide liquid screen protectors, both as film and glass.
• Photocatalyst reactive oxygen species. This is a recent technology expected to revolutionise the touchscreen industry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are chemical molecules with one unpaired electron, making them highly reactive. Visible light is the primary method of antimicrobial activation but there is also an added, patented ingredient.
ever of the problems with touchscreens, and will be wary of using them without the knowledge that they are protected with antimicrobial properties. The way forward is antimicrobial
property to be built in, resulting in a self-cleaning screen, free of bacteria and viruses. This is where the photocatalyst reactive oxygen species will gain traction. The ROS solution is supplied in liquid
form and applied to the glass surface during manufacture. The coating is then sintered with the glass surface at temperatures from 600o
C to 700o C.
The resultant antimicrobial benefits are locked in and active for the life of the screen. Manufacturers need to act now.
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