New smartwatch dissolves in water in a day and a half

Every year, millions of tons of electronic waste are generated around the world. The problem is, most devices

difficult to parse, it takes a lot of resources.Also, the materials from which equipment is created are difficult to decompose in the environment. In a new study, Chinese scientists have come up with a solution to this problem: key components of new smartwatches are dissolved in water.

Previously, the same team of scientistscreated a zinc-based nanocomposite material. Its low conductivity did not allow it to be used in technology, but now researchers have modified it. To make the material conductive enough for consumer electronics, the scientists added silver nanowires. They then printed the solution onto a water-degradable polymer.

After the scientists placed several createdprinted circuit boards in a polyvinyl alcohol case, printed on a 3D printer. By itself, polyvinyl alcohol is a water-soluble and biodegradable material. In the prototype of the smartwatch, the authors of the development also included sensors for reading the heart rate, the number of steps and the level of oxygen in the blood, so that the device could compete with analogues on the market.

The experimental results showed that the deviceCapable of accurately recording biometric data. Electronics does not deteriorate due to water droplets. Scientists note that in order to dissolve a worn-out smartwatch, it is necessary to immerse it in water for 40 hours or a day and a half. The study showed that after the deadline, only an OLED screen and a microcontroller remained from the device.

Read more

The slowing down of the Earth's rotation caused the release of oxygen on the planet

New particle discovered at the Large Hadron Collider

Scientists have found the oldest example of applied geometry