Everybody knows someone who has dropped the device in water or accidentally spilled liquid on their smartphone. Studies suggest that about 20% of phones may suffer this fate, with some models now built to resist immersion in shallow water for short periods of time.
Demand is growing for new types of portable and wearable electronics and many of these devices (along with IoT devices such as outdoor environmental sensors and industrial process monitors) need protection against unintentional or unavoidable contact with moisture. Risks include exposure to liquid splashes, rainwater or even full immersion for indeterminate periods. Ingress of particles or dust may also prevent correct operation and compromise reliability.
