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Clear Case: TPU material
When considering a Clear Case, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) has always emerged as the popular choice of material due to its versatile properties. TPU offers a balanced combination of flexibility and durability, making it ideal for providing impact resistance while maintaining a sleek design to the Case. Its ability to absorb shocks and resist abrasions without adding significant bulk has made it the preferred material among consumers seeking reliable phone protection.
Major Catch: Yellowing
While TPU does bring multiple structural advantages to phone cases, it is however known for being prone to yellowing / discoloured appearance over time, which comes to concern many Clear Case lovers. Such phenomenon is primarily resulted due to the following:
Ultraviolet (UV) Light
Environmental factors (Age, dirt, sebum oils, and other hand contaminants)
Heat
Under the compounded effect of the above, the TPU material would subject to two main chemical reactions: "Photodegradation" and "Oxidation".
(i) Photodegradation
When TPU material is exposed to UV light, it breaks down the molecular structure, leading to the formation of free radicals. These free radicals will then react with the oxygen in air to form chemical compounds named: Quinoid. These Quinoid compounds are inclined to absorb blue light in the visible light spectrum, resulting in a yellow tint over the TPU material.
(ii) Oxidation
Like most materials, TPU could also undergo oxidation over time. Oxygen molecules can react with the polymer chains within the TPU, leading to the abstraction of hydrogen atoms, forming chemical compounds named: Carbonyl. Similar to Quinoid, Carbonyl groups absorb light in blue wavelength range, giving an optical appearance of yellow / brown to the material. While both Photodegradation and Oxidation usually take time to have visible interference, it bears noting that they are, in most cases, accelerated due to surrounding factors, like sunlight, dirt, oil, liquid, chemicals and heat (especially in a prolonged manner). These heavily catalyzes the chemical reactions and structural volatility within the TPU, contributing to quicker formation of "yellowing-presence" byproducts.
Yellowing: Appearance or Material Issue?
Generally, yellowing concerns the aesthetic appearance of a TPU phone case rather than its protective capabilities. While a "yellowed" cases may appear less attractive, their structural integrity and impact resistance if supported with great built-quality, shall remain largely unaffected.
User's Perspective: What to do?
As a Case's appearance is interrelated with user's practice on day-to-day basis, below are the key steps to take in order to extend the clarity of a Clear TPU Case:
UV Reduction : Reduce or avoid exposure to direct sunlight, UV light or environment.
Storage : Store in cool, dark places when not in use.
Proper Cleaning & Care Routine (i) Daily: Wipe the exterior with wet tissue and dry with soft microfibre cloth. (ii) Biweekly: Gently cleanse with mild soap and water. Ensure full dry condition before use. (iii) Avoid: Colouring contact with hands / surface, chemical contact or prolonged moist. (Caution note to common colouring substances like gravy, spices, cumin, fruits, incense sticks etc)
Case Rotation : Use and change cases periodically. This allows each case to have recovery from potential exposure and reduces the overall wear and tear on a single case in a certain timeframe.
Miracle or Myth: Is There a Forever Clear Case?
It is important to note that no item is completely immuned to degradation or oxidation over time. Factors such as prolonged UV exposure and environmental conditions could eventually make a difference towards a Case's appearance.
While there are Clear Cases being marketed as "yellowproof" or "never-discolour", these cases are commonly made from harder and more rigid plastic materials like polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or acrylic. These materials could have high resistance towards discolouration, but they do come with some significant drawbacks like below: -
Scratch Vulnerability : Hard plastics are prone to surface scratches (especially for Clear Cases). These scratches, once formed, will be extensively visible all over the exterior, which can affect its clarity and appearance.
Brittleness and Abrasion : Due to inherent rigidity, they are highly subject to cracking under pressure, specifically at the case borders. Besides, frequent removal and wear of the such Case may also leave permanent scratch marks on the phone borders (see Example 1 & Example 2).
Bulkiness : As its flexibility is naturally limited, hard plastics when manufactured for case borders, would have to be built with higher thickness and weight to meet its protection capability. This can be a burden to our hands for long device usage on daily basis.
Grip Issues : Hard cases can be slippery at times, potentially compromising user's hand grip and comfort.
Hard PC Case from Prominent Brand (Phone 14 Pro)
Our Preferred Approach: TPU Borders + Matte PC Back
With awareness of the consumer's concerns, all Gentlemade Clear Cases are designed to offer an optimal balance between visual aesthetic and prime protection, which is made of the combination of the below:
Luminous Case by Gentlemade
TPU Borders : Perfect shock resistance at best flexibility and lighter weight.
Matte PC : Improves the Case's UV and yellowing resistance with its material advantage. With its texturized matte finish, it creates an exceptional holding experience, fingerprint-free as well as great scratch-resistant condition.
Surface Treatment : This material combination is also further enhanced with UV stabilizers and industrial-grade resistance coatings, which users can instantly feel the smoothness of the Case when unboxed and the extended pristineness over time.
We believe that with this combination, our Clear Cases would serve better in clarity preservation and burden-free usage for users. Even while natural reactions take place, the yellowing hue / discolouration shall only be limited to the Case Borders (TPU) and the Matte Case Back (PC) shall continue to reflect the best silhouette of your iPhone with longevity.
Conclusion
While we do love our Clear Cases to shine the original elegance of our iPhones for the longest time possible, natural photodegradation and oxidation could inevitably take place and make difference on the appearance of the Clear Case over time. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of our Clear Case, especially on the condition and cleanliness aspect, to truly enjoy and admire the beauty of minimalism.
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