Engineers created an interactive paper
Perhaps in the near future we will be able to operate our devices, such as laptops or tablets, with an ordinary sheet of paper. The engineers of Purdue University developed a technology that enables us to make an interactive keyboard out of paper. The engineers at Purdue University have developed a process that enables paper or cardboard to be coated with "highly fluorinated molecules". This makes the paper dust, oil and water resistant, which means you can print multiple layers of circuit boards on it without the ink smudging.
Interactive paper
According to an article published in the magazine "Nano Energy", cards printed in this way are able to "operate Bluetooth radio communication with their own power supply" and can, among other things, serve as keyboards. Researchers argue that similarly printed and coated paper does not require external batteries as it generates electricity on its own through contact with the user's finger.
The videos on YouTube show how the new technology works. Purude engineers demonstrated a paper keyboard that they could use to type on a laptop and control the sound on a computer.
"We were the first to demonstrate a self-powered, paper-based electronic device," says Ramses Martinez, assistant professor at Purdue's School of Industrial Engineering, one of the study's authors Making particles water, oil and dust resistant. This coating allows us to print multiple layers of circuitry on the paper without having to worry about the ink getting from one layer to the other, ”he adds.
Smart packaging
The technology seems very interesting. As it is compatible with common printing processes, it can be used on cardboard and paper. It's a very cheap, flexible, and fast technology. That means it can be used to design innovations such as smart packaging for packages or products off the store shelf.
“I envision that this technology will allow users to interact with packaging for food, for example. It enables users to check whether the food is suitable for consumption. It can also allow users to sign or secure the packaging we send out, "says Martinez.
The innovation developed in Purdue is particularly interesting because it eliminates the need for external power supplies, which brings us closer to solutions such as intelligent packaging. However, the work of researchers is still in its infancy, and it will likely be a long time before we can print our own Bluetooth paper keyboard.