Introduction
Clear cases are popular for many reasons. They provide protection to our devices while allowing their designs and colors to show through, which makes them attractive to many users. Unfortunately, after a while, these cases begin to turn yellow, which can spoil the effect of the clear material. Although this is a common problem, many people don’t know why it occurs or how to prevent it from happening. This article seeks to help users understand why clear cases yellow and how to maintain their clearness over time.
Causes of Clear Case Yellowing: An in-depth look
Several factors contribute to the yellowing of clear cases. Below are some of the most common causes:
Exposure to UV Light
The primary cause of clear case yellowing is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or other light sources. UV light causes the material to break down, leading to discoloration. When UV light breaks down the material, it breaks down the polymers in the material itself, or the additives that were used to aid stabilization.
Contact with Heat Sources
Clear cases can also yellow when exposed to heat sources. Heat causes the same kind of yellowing in clear plastic as sunlight. Although sunlight is hard to avoid, users can try to reduce exposure to heat sources. A phone left in the sun, in a car, or near a heat source at home can cause yellowing.
Chemical Reactions with Other Materials
Some materials can cause a chemical reaction to the plastic that makes it yellow. It happens when the two materials come in contact, usually over a long time. Polyurethane leather, for example, can cause a reaction with the plastic and cause yellowing.
Aging of Materials
Because of their composition, clear cases can lose their clarity over time. The plastic can become brittle, leading to cracks where dirt and other debris can accumulate over time, leading to discoloration.
Oxidation
The oxidization process leads to crystallization in clear plastic cases, which can cause them to turn yellow over time. Manufacturers didn’t use the antioxidants which could help the case remain clear and prevent it from yellowing in this case.
Explanation of each cause:
All of these causes of yellowing have to do with some sort of break down in the clear plastic material that causes it to lose its clarity and turn a yellowish color. This is a result of sunlight, heat, chemical reactions, aging, and oxidation combined and a breakdown in the stabilizers used in the mixture without the use of antioxidants.
How to Prevent Your Clear Case from Turning Yellow?
There are several things you can do to prevent your clear case from yellowing:
Proper Storage
You can store your clear case out of direct sunlight and heat, or plastic bags you can use, as this will help to maintain its clarity for a more extended period. Do your best not to expose it to other materials that can cause a reaction known to cause yellowing.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance can help you maintain your clear case. Use materials that are safe for plastic and avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the surface. An ideal solution is warm soapy water or a non-alcoholic glass cleaner.
Avoiding Chemicals
Be cautious about exposing your clear case to chemicals such as detergents or alcohol, as they can cause discoloration or make your case brittle. If possible, avoid using your phone case while cooking as oils and other chemicals in the air can cause discoloration.
Using Protective Coatings
One of the best ways to prevent yellowing on your clear case is to use a protective coating, which can help shield the case from exposure to UV light and heat sources. Most commercial protective coatings include UV stabilizers that help maintain the case’s clarity over time.
Specific Tips for Prevention
Some additional tips that can help prevent yellowing include not leaving your phone near sunlight, not exposing it to heat sources and chemicals, not covering it with rubber or silicone, and keeping it clean.
The Science Behind Clear Case Yellowing Explained
The composition of clear cases and other factors can play the role in yellowing of the case.
Explanation of Material Composition
Clear phone cases are often made of a clear plastic that contains polyurethane, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, or thermoplastic elastomer. The plastic can also contain stabilizers, additives, and pigments that make the case more effective and attractive. However, the breakdown process can occur when there are not enough antioxidants used in the mixture, leading to oxidization or yellowing of the material.
Understanding Chemical Reactions
When the clear plastic in the phone case comes into contact with oils, chemicals, or other materials over time, it can cause a chemical reaction that leads to yellowing or brittleness.
Role of UV Light
UV light causes a photo-degradation in plastics, this is why it’s important to use a protective coating on your case that includes UV stabilizers.
Importance of Temperature
Temperature can also break down the plastic in the phone case, leading to yellowing and discoloration over time. As mentioned earlier, try not to leave your phone or any similar electronic device in direct sunlight or near any source of heat.
Real Life Examples of Clear Case Yellowing and their Solutions
Many brands experience customer complaints of yellowing in their clear cases. Some examples include:
Multiple Case Brand Complaints and Resolutions
It’s widespread for many phone case brands to receive complaints about yellowing. Some companies have placed warnings on their packaging or adjusted their materials to include more UV stabilizers.
Specific User Complaints and Solutions
On various user-based forums, people have suggested using non-alcoholic glass cleaners, avoiding contact with oils, and seeking out cases made of high-quality materials as potential solutions to avoid the yellowing of clear cases.
Different Techniques to Solve and Prevent Yellowing
Some different techniques can be tried to solve and avoid yellowing, including cleaning your case regularly, storing it in a protected area, not exposing it to heat and to avoid any chemical influence. Additionally, one can try purchasing a case that specifically includes more UV stabilizers or a protective coating to prevent yellowing.
From Crystal Clear to Banana Yellow: The Journey of Cases
The journey of clear phone cases is more than just a one-off experience, so understanding the lifespan of clear cases is important. Below are various points to note on the journey of a clear case:
Clear Cases Lifespan and Stages
Most clear phone cases have a lifespan of two to three years. A new clear case is crystal clear and void of any yellowing, while an old clear case is far from it and can often become brittle and potentially break when in use.
The Difference Between Clear and Tinted Cases
Tinted cases have different chemical compositions from clear cases, which makes them far less likely to yellow. The main reason for this is that this type of plastic usually has more UV stabilizers than their clear counterparts.
Alternatives to Clear Cases
For users who like the protection that cases provide but don’t enjoy the yellowing effect or are just tired of having clear cases, there are alternatives like tinted cases and cases made of other materials like leather or silicone.
Is the Yellowing of Your Clear Case a Toxic Concern?
Users might be concerned about whether the yellowing of their case has any toxic effects, but in most cases, the answer is no.
Explanation of Harmful Materials in Cases
In the case of yellowing plastic materials, most of the materials used are non-toxic and used for general purposes. However, some cases use cheaper or low-quality materials, so it’s important to choose a reputable brand.
How Different Compositions Play a Role in Toxic Concerns
Some cases can contain materials like BPA (bisphenol A), which in large quantities can be harmful. Therefore, users must stick to trusted brands with high-quality materials, substances, and proper certifications. With quality cases, there’s little to no concern around the potential harm of the material once it yellows.
How to Dispose of Yellowed Cases Safely
The safest way to dispose of a yellowed clear case is to recycle it if possible. If not, the user should dispose of it with regular household waste, making sure any toxic materials won’t harm the environment.
The Impact of Environmental Factors on Clear Cases
The environment can also play a role in the yellowing of clear cases. Users must understand how to maintain their cases in different environments.
Impact of Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity have the most prominent effect on clear cases, causing them to lose their clarity faster. High heat and high humidity will exacerbate the yellowing process of plastic.
Contact with Water and Moisture
Moisture and water can also cause yellowing in clear cases, especially if left in moist environments for extended periods.
Exposure to Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight is one of the major factors that cause clear cases to yellow. It’s essential to avoid leaving your phone or any similar electronic device in direct sunlight.
Tips for Maintaining Cases in Different Environments
To maintain clear cases in different environments, it’s essential to use protective coatings with UV stabilizers. Additionally, avoid exposing your phone to direct sunlight, keep your phone in a dry environment, and store it in protective gear such as a plastic bag or cover.
Conclusion
Yellowing is a standard problem with clear phone cases, but it doesn’t necessarily need to spell the end of your clear case’s life. By understanding the science behind yellowing, reading real-life examples, and taking the necessary preventative measures, you can stop your case from turning yellow while keeping your device protected.
Choose a quality case and cleaners while also ensuring that you store your phone far away from UV light, chemicals, and protect your device in any of your chosen types of protective gear. The environment should always be a significant factor in maintaining your phone case’s clarity, so use weather and environmental condition to your advantage.