Ion-Mask may lead to a waterproof phone

P2i, a spin-off company of the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory in Porton Down, Wilts. are in talks with three mobile phone manufacturers regarding the use of their waterproof coating called Ion-Mask. It works by bonding a protective layer to the device using a plasma - a gas that has been electronically charged. The chemical properties of the layer allow it to repel water and oil. Developed for treating soldiers' uniforms so they would repel toxic vapours and liquids in a chemical or biological attack, Ion-Mask is due to make its first non-military appearance on a new range of Hi-Tec training shoes launching soon. It could be a solution to reducing the 1.2 million liquid damage related insurance claims made last year.

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