The research was led by Manasi Desai and Joshua Lawrence from Centenary College of Louisiana in the US and was presented at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
How does it work?
Touch screens used today are based on “capacitive” technology. This system works by detecting the electrical change created by electrically conductive materials such as human skin. However, since nails are not conductive, they cannot be detected by screens.
The new nail polish developed allows the nail to carry a small electrical charge to solve this problem. Thus, the screen can detect fingernail touch as finger contact.
Safer and aesthetic solution
Previous trials used carbon nanotubes or metal particles. However, these methods were both risky in terms of health and limiting in terms of aesthetics. The newly developed formula contains safer organic ingredients and can be applied transparently.
After testing 13 different commercial nail polishes and more than 50 additives, the researchers found the most successful result with a combination of ethanolamine and taurine derivatives. This mixture both enabled interaction with the screen and preserved its transparent appearance.
scientific mechanism
The working principle of nail polish is not classical electrical conduction. According to the researchers, the system is based on the acid-base reaction and electric charge transfer occurs thanks to proton movement. This creates a small change in the capacity of the screen, allowing touch to be detected.
Still in development
Although the new technology is promising, it is still in its early stages. The performance of the current formula is not stable and its effectiveness may be limited to a few hours due to the rapid evaporation of the ethanol it contains.
Researchers state that they are working on longer-lasting and completely safe alternatives. Additionally, a provisional patent application has been filed for the product and the goal is to turn the technology into a commercial product.
Candidate to be trending
This development may also create a new content area for nail artists and influencers who set trends on social media. A technological dimension may now have been added to manicure trends, which are especially popular on Instagram and TikTok.
