Transparent Armour

New Scientist reports that TDK have invented a tough, transparent coating for displays and optical discs that resists scratching and marking incredibly well.

In one of the most convincing technology demonstrations this reporter has witnessed, I was handed a CD, a wire-wool pan scourer and some permanent marker pens, and invited to scratch or mark the discs. Hard as I tried, I could not make a single mark on the disc with the scourer. And the ink simply wiped off.

If this is as good as it sounds, it may signal the end of scratched mobile phone screens and buggered CDs. I suspect, though, the the music and film industries will resist using this on existing media, probably claiming that it’s too expensive. After all, they’d like us to have to replace expensive, damaged discs, wouldn’t they?

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