What's Your Phone Body Made Of?

James Carter: Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of the Stanford Advanced Materials Podcast. I’m your host, James Carter. Today, we will examine something we all utilise daily but may not consider in depth—the materials that constitute our smartphone bodies. We are joined by Dr. Emily Johnson, an expert in materials science, here to explain it all. Thank you for joining, Dr. Johnson!

Dr. Emily Johnson: Thank you for having me, James! It’s a pleasure to discuss something so relevant to all of us. Smartphones are ubiquitous, and the materials employed certainly influence how we engage with them on a daily basis.

James Carter: Absolutely! Let’s begin with the basics. What are the primary materials utilised in smartphones today?

Dr. Emily Johnson: There are four main materials: metals, glass, plastics, and ceramics. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, which affect factors such as the phone’s tactile quality and durability.

James Carter: Interesting! Let’s break them down. To start with metals—what types are commonly used in phone bodies?

Dr. Emily Johnson: Aluminium is the most commonly used, particularly in budget models. It is lightweight, strong, and cost-effective. However, for premium models, magnesium and titanium alloys are also used. Magnesium is lighter, whereas titanium provides superior strength and resistance to corrosion.

James Carter: So aluminium remains the most prevalent, while magnesium and titanium are being incorporated into higher-end devices. Moving on to glass—why do so many smartphones have glass bodies?

Dr. Emily Johnson: Glass presents a sleek, modern appearance and is also highly durable, thanks to developments such as chemically strengthened glass. Corning’s Gorilla Glass, for instance, resists scratches and impacts effectively. The latest version, Gorilla Glass Victus, even performs better when subjected to drops!

James Carter: It is remarkable how glass technology has advanced! What about plastics? Are they still integral to phone production?

Dr. Emily Johnson: Yes, plastics such as polycarbonate are still widely used due to their strength, flexibility, and affordability. However, plastic can discolour under UV exposure and is perceived as less premium compared to metal or glass. The positive aspect is the increasing interest in biodegradable plastics and recycled materials, which enhance the eco-friendliness of plastic smartphones.

James Carter: That is reassuring, particularly as sustainability becomes an increasing priority. Lastly, let’s discuss ceramics. They sound highly innovative—what makes them a suitable choice for smartphones?

Dr. Emily Johnson: Ceramics, particularly yttria-stabilised zirconia, offer exceptional strength, a metallic appearance, and enhanced impact resistance. Additionally, they are non-conductive, which aids in signal transmission. The downside is their tendency to be brittle, though manufacturers are actively working on improvements.

James Carter: It's evident that each material has unique advantages and drawbacks. What developments do you foresee in the future concerning smartphone materials?

Dr. Emily Johnson: The future will likely see an increase in composite materials that combine the benefits of metals, plastics, and ceramics to produce lighter, stronger, and more sustainable smartphones. The primary focus will be on improving durability and sustainability through recycled materials and more environmentally conscious manufacturing processes.

James Carter: That is exciting! As technology progresses, it is encouraging to observe a focus on sustainability alongside performance. Dr. Johnson, thank you very much for elucidating the materials that constitute our phones. It is fascinating how much consideration goes into something we interact with daily!

Dr. Emily Johnson: It was my pleasure, James! I hope our listeners now have a deeper appreciation for the materials that render smartphones both functional and stylish.

James Carter: And thank you all for tuning in to today’s episode. We will return shortly with further insights into the materials that shape our world. Until next time, continue to be inquisitive!