It is highly common to witness the smart devices heating up either while charging or while using applications that are frequently used. There have also been cases in which the Smartphone and other devices using lithium batteries have burst into flames due to immense heating especially during charging. The lithium batteries are very effective and efficient in terms of functionality but in recent cases we see that these batteries can be very lethal. The scientists have risen to the task of formulating a way to prevent such damage and risk to the user's safety.
The modern scientists have found a solution to the trouble of the people and as astonishing and simple as the science seems to be, the technique of obtaining this is a highly complex one. The fire in the devices originates due to the excessive heating of the internal units of the phone, especially the electrolyte solution in the batteries. The electrolyte is the liquid medium which allows the electrons to flow between the solid electrodes and is highly flammable. When the temperature increases within the lithium battery, the constituents of the electrodes react and get aggravated which causes the device to light up in flames.
According to DailyMotion, the researchers present at Stanford University have created a minute sheet of synthesized fibers that contain a flame retardant which when inserted between the battery's electrodes can stop the outburst. The technology allows the flame retardant to be easily released when temperature inside the battery increases to drastic levels.
The details and specifics mentioned in Science News explain that every fiber resembles the appearance of an éclair (pastry) filled with cream, just like the battery has the presence of a plastic shell that surrounds the flame retardant inside. If the battery heats up too much, the plastic melts and the flame retardant escapes but if the temperature is normal, the retardant stays well intact within the plastic. The estimated temperature at which the retardant gets released is above 160° Celsius .It was observed by the scientists that when the electrolyte was ignited, while the flame retardant fibers were present, the fire which started had vanquished within 0.4 seconds of ignition.
