The anti-fingerprint effect and principle of PVC tempered film are closely related to its material characteristics and surface treatment process. When using electronic devices in daily life, fingerprints and oil stains on the screen not only affect the visual perception, but may also interfere with the sensitivity of touch operation. Therefore, the anti-fingerprint function becomes an important indicator to measure the performance of tempered film. The following will analyze the anti-fingerprint effect and working principle of PVC tempered film in depth from multiple aspects.
From the actual use effect, the anti-fingerprint ability of PVC tempered film has obvious hierarchy. High-quality PVC tempered film has excellent anti-fingerprint performance and can effectively resist the adhesion of stains such as grease and sweat on fingers. When the finger touches the screen, ordinary PVC film may leave obvious fingerprint marks, while the specially treated PVC tempered film has less fingerprint residue, and even if there are slight marks, it can be easily wiped clean with a soft cloth. However, compared with some high-end tempered films, such as glass tempered films with better oleophobic coating, PVC tempered film is slightly inferior in anti-fingerprint durability. After long-term and frequent use, the anti-fouling ability will decrease.
The core of the anti-fingerprint effect of PVC tempered film lies in the oleophobic and hydrophobic coating on its surface. This coating is mostly made of fluoride or siliconized materials, which are attached to the surface of the PVC film by physical or chemical methods. When the finger touches the tempered film, the low surface energy molecules in the oleophobic coating will form a "barrier". Due to the weak interaction between substances such as water and oil and the coating molecules, it is difficult to infiltrate the coating surface, so it cannot adhere to the film, making it difficult for fingerprints and oil stains to remain, achieving the anti-fingerprint effect. Just like the microstructure of the lotus leaf surface makes it super hydrophobic, water droplets roll on the lotus leaf without residue, the working principle of the oleophobic coating is similar to it, but it is aimed at grease and fingerprint stains.
In addition to the oleophobic coating, the characteristics of the PVC material itself also have a certain impact on the anti-fingerprint effect. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a high molecular polymer with a relatively tight molecular structure. After the surface is treated, the molecular gap is further reduced to form a dense surface layer. This makes it difficult for grease and fingerprint stains to penetrate into the interior of the film, and they can only stay on the surface, which is convenient for cleaning. At the same time, the flexibility and fit of PVC material can ensure uniform coating coverage and reduce the situation of stains left due to uneven film.
In terms of production process, different production methods will directly affect the anti-fingerprint performance of PVC tempered film. For example, the vacuum evaporation process can make the oleophobic coating more evenly and firmly attached to the surface of the PVC film, forming a stable anti-fouling structure and a more durable anti-fingerprint effect; while some low-cost coating processes may have uneven coating distribution and prone to weak points, resulting in a significant reduction in the anti-fingerprint effect. In addition, the thickness of the coating is also crucial. Too thin coating has limited protective ability, and too thick coating may affect the transparency and touch sensitivity of the film. The coating thickness needs to be precisely controlled to achieve the best anti-fingerprint effect.
The use environment and user habits will also affect the anti-fingerprint effect of PVC tempered film. In a hot and humid environment, the amount of sweating increases and the oil secretion is more vigorous, which will accelerate the loss of the surface coating of the tempered film and reduce the anti-fingerprint ability. Frequently touching the screen with dirty hands or in a dusty environment will make the film surface more susceptible to stains and weaken the anti-fingerprint effect. Therefore, a good use environment and personal hygiene habits can help maintain the anti-fingerprint performance of PVC tempered film.
When the anti-fingerprint effect of PVC tempered film decreases, the essence is that the oleophobic coating on the surface is damaged. As the use time increases, the coating is frequently rubbed and eroded by chemicals, and the low surface energy molecules gradually disappear, the molecular structure is destroyed, and it can no longer effectively prevent fingerprints and oil stains from attaching. At this time, even if it is wiped with a cleaning tool, it is difficult to restore to the original anti-fouling state, which means that a new tempered film needs to be replaced to ensure the use experience.
The anti-fingerprint effect of PVC tempered film mainly depends on the surface oleophobic and hydrophobic coating and the characteristics of the PVC material itself, and is also affected by a combination of factors such as production process, use environment and user habits. Understanding these principles and influencing factors will help users better play its anti-fingerprint advantages when selecting and using PVC tempered film and improve the use experience of electronic devices.
