I got a ongoing project and would like the answer on two questions:
What makes the Lilypad Waterproof? To me it looks like a pretty open chip without the necessary protection to be waterproof.
What type of material gives the Lilypad its Flexibility? It´s very bendable but still looks "solid".
Would appreciate any help!
(Sorry if this is in the wrong section/forum, new to this website)
Its waterproof because there are no hollow components - you must never power it
up when wet of course, because then electrolysis would dissolve the PCB traces.
Fresh water is completely harmless to most substances of course, even the majority
of electronic components, the exceptions being:
relays (hollow, possibility of rust),
trimmer pots and caps
most connectors (hollow)
PCB mounted switches
displays
transformers
inductors
many kinds of sensor.
Even hollow components may survive if you can ensure they fully dry out
before power is applied.
If you ever water inside an electronic gadget you must remove all power
sources immediately (*). If salt water is involved you have to rinse thoroughly
under fresh water. Then dry thoroughly - it may recover.
(*) mains appliances are lethal when wet, remove power without touching
the device. Best to give up on reusing on safety grounds. For battery devices
remove all batteries, including any coin cells that maintain a real-time clock.
The lilypad is simply a thin FR4 PCB. FR4 is the fibreglass used for PCBs and
is very tough, it will tolerate some bending, but this risks lifting pads so try not
to overstress.