Protective MP3 Player Accessories – Materials
Most users of MP3 players like to keep their gadgets looking shiny and new. Although a few superficial scratches and nicks will not affect its sound quality, a player that sports these blemishes looses much of its appeal. For these audio gear, appearance matters at least almost as much as substance. This is why the market is flooded with protective cases made of a variety of materials, including silicone, polycarbonate, leather, and nylon. There is a case for virtually every MP3 player model available, whether iPod, Zune, Coby, SanDisk, Sony, or any other brand and model.
Silicone is a popular material for an MP3 player case. It is a rubber-like material but does not stick which makes sliding your player into it easy. It is also heat-resistant and water-repellent protecting your player from sprinkles or splashes of water. Chemical reaction and toxicity are low. However, silicone is not conducive to microbial growth so you won’t have to worry about germs infesting your player.
Silicone is not to be confused with silicon. The latter is a chemical element and is the most common metalloid. Combined with oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, it forms the polymer silicone which is the stuff out of which your player’s casing is made.
Another material used for casings is polycarbonate. This material is a lightweight yet tough and versatile hard plastic that can be used in a variety of applications including bulletproof enclosures, RC helicopters and cars, water bottles, and compact discs. It is also used for the casing of some MP3 players and cell phones. However, if you want additional protection, or a case you can discard if it is dented or cracked, a polycarbonate case is one of your options. Clear polycarbonate has excellent optical qualities allowing you a clear view of the player’s screen.
Leather has the look of elegance and class and it is also used for MP3 player cases. It comes from the rawhide of animals, particularly cattle. The rawhide is treated with an acidic chemical compound called tannin to prevent it from decomposing. As leather is often soft, it can only protect your player from scratches and minor bumps.
Nylon has been in production since 1935 when it was developed by DuPont. It is a synthetic polymer with excellent durability and abrasion resistance. It can even be lustrous, semi-lustrous, or dull. These qualities make it a good material for protecting MP3 players from abrasions and scratches.