Visualizing the Raw Materials in a Laptop
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A typical notebook computer contains more than 240 substances, many in very small amounts.
This graphic by Toonitopia shows the raw materials in a laptop. It was named Visual of the Year out of over 3,000 visualizations posted on Voronoi in 2024.
The visual is based on research by HP and assumes a 1.7-kilogram notebook. Every sphere is sized according to the mass of the material and the corresponding material density.
In order to organize and simplify the graphic, Toon put together different types of glass and different types of plastic under their respective category headers. He also deconstructed lithium cobalt oxide to separately visualize lithium and cobalt.
Notebook Material Content
Laptops are composed of a variety of materials that serve specific functions and contribute to their overall performance and durability.
By mass, magnesium (22.7%) is the most used material in laptops. This lightweight metal is prized for its strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for creating durable yet lightweight laptop frames and casings. Magnesium also helps in heat dissipation, which is crucial for keeping electronic components cool during operation.
Material | % of Mass | Mass (kg) |
Magnesium | 22.2% | 0.3859 |
Borosilicate glass | 9.2% | 0.1598 |
Inorganic glass | 8.8% | 0.1530 |
Polycarbonate | 8.6% | 0.1496 |
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | 7.1% | 0.1241 |
Aluminium | 5.9% | 0.1020 |
Lithium cobalt oxide | 5.0% | 0.0867 |
Copper | 4.8% | 0.0833 |
Iron | 4.1% | 0.0714 |
Steel | 2.7% | 0.0476 |
Graphite | 2.6% | 0.0459 |
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) | 2.1% | 0.0357 |
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | 1.1% | 0.0187 |
Cellulose Triacetate | 1.0% | 0.0170 |
Silicon Dioxide Glass (SiO2) | 1.0% | 0.0170 |
Others | 13.8% | 0.2397 |
Overall | 100.0% | 1.737 kg |
Following magnesium, borosilicate glass (9.4%) and inorganic glass (9%) are the next most commonly used materials. These types of glass are essential for screens and displays, as they provide durability, clarity, and resistance to thermal and mechanical stress. Borosilicate glass, in particular, is known for its resistance to temperature changes, making it a reliable choice for touchscreens and protective layers.
Laptops also incorporate polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in their construction. These thermoplastic polymers are used in the outer casing and internal structural components due to their impact resistance, lightweight properties, and ability to withstand wear and tear from daily use.
In addition to these materials, minerals such as copper, iron, and graphite are indispensable for the internal functioning of laptops. Copper is widely used in wiring and heat sinks due to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Iron contributes to the strength of internal components, while graphite is used as a lubricant and in heat dissipation applications.