Dow Corning 1-2577 Low VOC
Silicones and Electronics
Long-term, reliable protection of sensitive circuits and components has become increasingly more important in many delicate and demanding electronic applications. Silicones function over a wide temperature and humidity range as durable dielectric insulation, as barriers against environmental contaminants, and as stress-relieving shock and vibration absorbers. In addition to sustaining their physical and electrical properties over a broad range of operating conditions, silicones are resistant to ozone and ultraviolet degradation and have good chemical stability. Most Dow Corning silicones contain significantly less solvent than organic coatings and are available in a wide variety of cure systems.
Conformal Coating for Electronics
Conformal coatings are materials applied in thin layers (typically a few mils or microns) onto printed circuits or other electronic substrates. They provide environmental and mechanical protection to significantly extend the life of the components and circuitry. Conformal coatings are traditionally applied by dipping, spraying, or simple flow coating, and increasingly by select coating, or robotic dispensing.
Conformal coatings protect electronic printed circuit boards from moisture and contaminants, preventing short circuits and corrosion of conductors and solder joints. They also minimize dendritic growth and the electromigration of metal between conductors. In addition, the use of conformal coatings protects circuits and components from abrasion and solvents. Stress relief is also provided, as is protection of the insulation resistance of the circuit board.
Dow Corning coatings are particularly useful for protecting circuitry in severe-service environments, while maintaining a low-stress environment for components and connections. These severe environments range from everyday temperature and humidity extremes seen in consumer electronics to the harsher automotive under-hood environment, up to the extreme conditions demanded in military or industrial applications. Recently Dow Corning coatings have also been used in a variety of consumer appliances and devices to protect against unpredicted conditions imposed by the end-user. The coatings are supplied in a variety of forms that can be cured at room temperature or accelerated by heat, adaptable to your processing needs. Most conformal coatings contain a UV indicator enabling blacklight visualization of the coating.
If you are interested in formulated materials or custom materials, click here to go to our formulated materials page, and/or contact us directly to discuss your project requirements.