crwdns2933803:07crwdne2933803:0
crwdns2933797:0Jeff Suovanencrwdnd2933797:0crwdne2933797:0
crwdns2936043:0crwdne2936043:0 crwdns2933505:0crwdne2933505:0 Jeff Suovanen
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| [* black] So, what changed this year? First, the transparent switch cover material. | |
| [* black] The cover in the 2018 model is semi-opaque, somewhat tacky, and feels like silicone. The new model is clearer and smooth to the touch. | |
| [* black] To confirm that the materials are indeed different, we analyzed them using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Thanks to Eric Beaton and [https://mate.calpoly.edu/|Cal Poly's Materials Engineering department|new_window=true] for their equipment and expertise! | |
| [* icon_note] [https://www.innovatechlabs.com/newsroom/672/stuff-works-ftir-analysis/|FTIR analysis|new_window=true] works by shining infrared light at a material and measuring how much light is absorbed and at what wavelengths. This data acts like a fingerprint that can be used to identify the material. | |
| [* black] [https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BEMRhhgRkWg1eyIn.full|The differing peaks and valleys|new_window=true] on the [https://www.innovatechlabs.com/newsroom/1882/interpreting-analyzing-ftir-results/|FTIR spectra|new_window=true] for the two samples show us that they ''are'' different materials. But what are they? | |
| - | [* black] When comparing these FTIR spectra to that of known polymers, the closest match for the 2018 model is |
| + | [* black] When comparing these FTIR spectra to that of known polymers, the closest match for the 2018 model is either poly(acetylene) with aromatic urethane side groups, or a type of TPU (which seems more likely). The 2019 model is a match for polyamide (commonly known as nylon). |
| [* icon_reminder] What this ''doesn't'' tell us is, just what problem Apple's engineers tried to solve using this updated material. Send us your ideas! |