Every Day Electronic Devices

Chemistry in Electronics

Electronics products we use every day, like computers, televisions, cell phones, tablets, microwaves and more, rely on the products of chemistry to enhance their functionality and performance.

Consumer electronics encompass a range of products we use every day, from televisions and cell phones, to computers and kitchen appliances and many more. And each of these products have unique design, performance and safety elements.

A wide variety of chemistry materials, from fluoropolymers and flame retardants, to silicones, polycarbonate plastics, phthalates and more, are used in the manufacture of electronics products, to help make them lightweight, durable and functional to meet the technology needs of today’s consumers.

For example, plastic components are essential to advances in weight reduction and miniaturization in many electronic products, helping to make electronics strong and durable, protecting vital technological components while also using less material in production. In addition, plastics can be engineered to meet very specific performance requirements, often helping to achieve greater energy efficiency over the course of a product’s life.

$14B
Chemistry products directly purchased by computer and electronics manufacturers in 2020.
$16B
Amount in sales of electronics in U.S. that contained basic and specialty chemicals in 2020.

Explore Chemistries Critical to Electronics

Microwaving Food in Container

Flame retardants

Included in the plastic casings of electronic products help increase consumer product safety by regularly preventing short circuits and overheating components from becoming fires.

FlameRetardantFacts.com
Cell Phone with Charger and Earphones

Fluoropolymers

Helps improve the efficiency and durability of products like cell phones and laptops and are essential to the electronic storage and sharing of data.

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Colorful Electronic Cables

High phthalates

Are used in PVC insulation for electrical wiring that connects and supports our electronic devices, including TVs and computers, imparting many benefits, including low temperature flexibility, heat resistance and electrical resistivity.

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Computer Processing Microchip

Silicones

Seal, bond and encapsulate everything from highly sensitive circuits and microprocessors to semiconductors. They help protect electronic components from extreme heat, moisture, salt, corrosion and contamination.

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Facts & Highlights

  • Lithium batteries use chemistry to create rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, mobile phones, wireless headphones and more. The strength and size of lithium batteries help make them ideal for a variety of products.
  • Cell phones, laptops, tablet computers, PDAs, electronic game consoles and more use strong polycarbonate plastic to help prevent cracking, breaking and scratches on the screens.
  • Touch screens on cell phones, PDAs, computer screens and other products, are made possible by plastics, adhesives and other products of chemistry.
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