How It Works

MATERIALS THAT WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING

COMPUTING

PLASTIC ELECTRONICS

Electronics are moving away from being components connected by wires and becoming an intrinsic part of buildings, cars and clothing. The technology making this possible is plastic electronics. These are polymers – large molecules composed of repeating subunits – manipulated to conduct and store electricity. With these, you can print circuits and even batteries, incorporating them into products as they are made.

At the moment, tattoos are purely decorative, but electronic tattoos are on their way. These are electronic circuits with

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from How It Works

How It Works2 min read
How Acupuncture Works
In Western medicine, chemical painkillers and other lab-produced drugs are often prescribed for common ailments. However, an ancient Chinese medical practice involves the controlled insertion of needles beneath the skin – an alternative medicine that
How It Works3 min read
How Owls Hunt
Known as a symbol of wisdom and intellect, owls are some of the most clued-up killers in the animal kingdom. The majority of owls are nocturnal ambush hunters. Waiting perched on a low branch or fence post, owls use their amazing sight and hearing to
How It Works6 min read
Terabit broadband
The internet is inundated. There are now 5.35 billion people online – that’s 66 per cent of the world’s population. On average, they spend seven hours a day surfing the web. And 80 per cent of what they do is watch video – whether that’s video callin

Related Books & Audiobooks