Safer Batteries Won't 'Switch On' if Swallowed

Nov-08-14 In an effort to reduce the hospital visits caused by curious children swallowing button batteries, researchers have created a battery coating that will not allow them to conduct electricity if they have been swallowed.

Batteries are becoming more powerful—and ubiquitous—every year, which means their potential for damage is increasing as well. When a battery is swallowed, it interacts with the body's water to produce hydroxide, a caustic ion that can cause tissue damage within hours if the battery is not removed.

In order to help limit emergency room visits, a team of researchers has developed a prototype insulator shield that covers the negative terminal of the battery. The shield has been embedded with magnetic particles that will press together and make contact only if the battery is inserted into the proper device. In this way, the shield functions as a sort of switch, only conducting electricity if adequate pressure is applied to the battery.

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[MEDGADGET.COM]
[NEWSOFFICE.MIT.EDU]

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