Chloe Zhang
Plastic phone cases often turn yellow due to a combination of UV light exposure, heat, and natural oils from the user's skin. UV light from the sun's rays can break down plastic molecules and accelerate oxidation, leading to discolouration. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also weaken the stability of plastics, making them more susceptible to yellowing. Additionally, natural oils and sweat produced by the skin can degrade plastics over time, contributing to the yellowing effect. The type of plastic used also plays a role, with materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and silicone being more prone to yellowing compared to polycarbonate (PC) and graphene. While some cases are designed with anti-yellowing properties, understanding the factors contributing to discolouration can help users take preventive measures to maintain the clarity of their plastic cases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | UV light exposure |
| Oils and sweat from skin | |
| Low-quality plastic | |
| Prolonged exposure to high temperatures | |
| Oxidation | |
| Contaminants | |
| Prevention | Avoid exposure to UV light |
| Store in a cool, dry place | |
| Regularly inspect for damage | |
| Choose an opaque case colour | |
| Choose a tempered glass case |
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What You'll Learn
UV light exposure
Exposure to UV light is one of the main reasons why plastic cases turn yellow. UV light, primarily from the sun's rays, breaks down the molecules in the plastic. This process is known as UV oxidation, and it causes the plastic to discolour and turn yellow over time.
The effect of UV light on plastic cases is accelerated by increased exposure to sunlight and heat. When plastic cases are left in direct sunlight or placed near a heat source, the UV light and heat work together to break down the plastic molecules more rapidly, leading to faster yellowing. This is why plastic cases that are frequently exposed to sunlight or high temperatures tend to turn yellow more quickly.
Certain materials used in plastic cases are more susceptible to the effects of UV light and heat. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and silicone, commonly used in clear phone cases, are known to turn yellow faster than other materials. The soft and flexible nature of these materials makes them more prone to discolouration when exposed to UV light and heat. On the other hand, materials like polycarbonate are relatively resistant to yellowing and are often used in high-quality phone cases to prevent this issue.
To minimise the impact of UV light and slow down the yellowing process, it is recommended to keep plastic cases out of direct sunlight and store them in cool, dry places. Additionally, using phone cases made from materials that are inherently more resistant to UV light and heat, such as polycarbonate or graphene, can help delay the onset of yellowing.
While UV light is a significant contributor to plastic case discolouration, it is not the only factor. Natural oils and sweat from human skin can also speed up the yellowing process, as they contain substances that degrade plastics over time. This is especially true for phone cases, which come into frequent contact with the face and hands, making them more susceptible to the build-up of natural oils and sweat.
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Natural oils from skin
One of the reasons plastic cases turn yellow is due to the natural oils produced by our skin. These oils build up on our phones, accelerating the yellowing of the case. The heat generated by our hands also contributes to this process. The use of hand creams or moisturisers can further increase the amount of oil transferred to the phone case.
Our skin produces natural oils that can speed up the yellowing of plastic cases over time. This occurs because the oils from our skin can degrade the plastic, causing it to turn yellow. Additionally, the sweat on our skin contains acidic properties that can also break down plastics. While it is not practical to stop using skincare products for the sake of our phone cases, there are other ways to mitigate the effects of natural skin oils.
Using the speakerphone function or headphones can reduce the amount of oil transferred to the phone case. Keeping the phone in a cool place, especially when in direct sunlight or in hot environments, can also help prevent the case from yellowing. Washing the case regularly can remove the oils and slow down the yellowing process.
The type of plastic used in the case also plays a role in how susceptible it is to turning yellow. Softer plastics, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and silicone, tend to turn yellow faster than harder plastics like polycarbonate. This is because softer plastics are more permeable, allowing the natural skin oils to penetrate and degrade the material more quickly.
To summarise, natural skin oils can cause plastic cases to turn yellow due to the degradation of the plastic material. This can be managed by reducing direct skin contact with the case, keeping the phone cool, and regular cleaning of the case. Choosing a case made from harder plastics can also help to slow down the yellowing process.
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Sweat
Plastic phone cases can turn yellow due to a combination of natural processes and environmental factors. The most common causes of yellowing are exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, heat, and natural oils from handling.
To prevent or slow down the yellowing process due to sweat, it is essential to keep the phone case dry and avoid exposure to moisture. Regular cleaning of the phone case can also help remove sweat and grime buildup, reducing the impact of sweat on the plastic.
Additionally, choosing phone cases made from materials that are more resistant to discolouration, such as polycarbonate or tempered glass, can help prolong the case's clarity.
While it is challenging to completely prevent or reverse the yellowing process, maintaining proper care and choosing the right materials can help slow down the discolouration and maintain the aesthetic appeal of your phone case.
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Heat
The heat from the sun's rays, as well as the heat generated by smartphones, can contribute to the yellowing of plastic cases. Electronic devices, in particular, generate heat that breaks down the molecular structure of plastics over time, leading to colour changes.
Additionally, the natural oils and sweat produced by our skin can further expedite the yellowing process when combined with heat. Oils and sweat can degrade plastics and enhance discolouration when exposed to higher temperatures.
To prevent yellowing caused by heat, it is recommended to keep plastic cases away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Storing them in cool, dry places can help maintain their clarity. "Overheating prevention layers" can also be applied to cases to protect against discolouration caused by heat.
While heat plays a significant role in plastic case yellowing, it is important to note that UV light exposure remains the primary culprit. The combination of heat and UV light accelerates the chemical reaction of the polymer, resulting in the plastic turning yellow. Therefore, addressing both heat and UV light exposure is crucial for effective discolouration prevention.
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Oxidation
UV light exposure is a significant contributor to the oxidation process. UV light, a type of electromagnetic radiation from the sun, breaks down the molecules in plastic, causing them to become yellow or discolored. The longer plastic is exposed to UV light, the more damaged it becomes. This is why plastic cases are advised to be kept out of direct sunlight and stored in cool, dry places.
Additionally, the heat generated by smartphones and the sun's rays can accelerate oxidation and the breakdown of substances, leading to the yellowing of plastic cases. Excessive heat can weaken the stability of plastics, making them more susceptible to discoloration.
While oxidation plays a crucial role in the yellowing of plastic cases, other factors also contribute to this issue. Natural oils and sweat from the skin can transfer onto plastic cases, causing them to turn yellow and degrade over time due to the acidic nature of sweat.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic cases can turn yellow due to exposure to UV light, which breaks down the molecules in the plastic.
Other factors include exposure to heat, natural oils, and sweat from the skin, which can speed up the yellowing process.
Yes, materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and silicone tend to turn yellow faster than polycarbonate (PC) and graphene.
To prevent yellowing, keep the case out of direct sunlight and store it in a cool, dry place. Additionally, consider purchasing a case made from materials that are resistant to yellowing, such as polycarbonate or graphene.
