MEMS & Nanotechnology
Microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems provide a means of developing "smart" products that the world has never seen. The technology brings life to devices, allowing them to not only sense, but to control full systems from silicon-based microsensors to microactuators that are the size of a pinpoint.
Biomedical Parylene and coatings for MEMS and Nanotechnology are ways in which manufacturers are increasing the levels protection for their inventions, along with the growth of the overall quality of the product. When dealing with technology on such a small scale, it is vital that the equipment is properly protected. Contact Us
Microelectromechanical (MEMS) in Rigorous Environments
The electrical components of biomedical nanotechnology products and MEMS can encounter harsh environments where added protection is a necessity. Some of the type of protection needed against exacting conditions for microelectromechanical (MEMS) and biomedical nanotechnology components, include:
Thermal Protection in extreme environments
Within application such as hydrocarbon drilling sensors microelectromechanical (MEMS) require thermal stability within its extreme working environment. Since they are regularly used in oil, gas and other types of hostile drilling and deep-penetration exploration, all components on the assembly need to be resistant to extreme temperatures, pressures and fluids exposure.
Ultra-thin coatings of Parylene can protect MEMS sensors without changing the dimension of the device or affecting the ability of the sensor to perform in any way.
Thermo-electric devices also benefit from micromachine protection Parylene. This is due to their use in applications that vary interchangeably between hot or cold environments. This is also true for MEMS used in power switches for aerospace and space applications. Parylene effectively protects from extreme altitude and deep space environments, and is a mil-spec approved coating.
Moisture Protection for Microfluidic Devices
When MEMS and biomedical nanotechnology are used in devices where electrical and/or moisture damage can occur, biomedical Parylene is a way to not only shield the device assembly, but to also extend the life of the product within these environments.
Moisture protection of channel materials is required for the use and development of microfluidic devices, or “lab on a chip,” where fluids are analyzed, dispensed or moved in micron thick channels. Ultra-thin coatings of Parylene can provide a uniform and pinhole-free protection of the channel and the entire device. When microfluidic devices are designed as an implant, Parylene is biocompatible, biostable, and respected within the medical industry.
Emerging Applications of Parylene Coatings
Based on MEMS wafers, the growing development of “MOEMS” (micro-opto-electromchanical systems) is also ideal for Parylene micromachine protection. Since there are no fillers to interfere or reduce the optical signals or transmission rate between devices Parylene is the optimal choice.
When MEMS wafers are layered with ultra-thin coatings of Parylene, the Parylene can be etched away using proven etching technology in the fabrication of the devices. Since Parylene is applied in the micron, or sub-micron range, this allows it to be used where other conformal coating material is not considered. Additionally, Parylene can reduce the need for added protective packaging of the device.
Biomedical Parylene & Micromachine Protection
Biomedical Parylene is an alternative to industry-standard conformal coating materials. This type of micromachine protection is applied in ultra-thin coatings to protect biomedical nanotechnology products. The latest developments in biomedical parylene have produced new formulations that offer even smaller molecular structures and superior thermal, UV and dielectric protection.
While parylene has been in use for decades on all basic assemblies, particularly those in the military and aerospace areas, new bond-enhancing pre-treatments have been developed to meet various adhesion challenges. These encounters are related to the ultra-thin coatings of some of the unique materials used today in the electronic micromachine protection and medical sub-assemblies’ fields.
With several methods, including a new high-temperature, UV-stable variant, Parylene offers lightweight, long-term protection. Parylene ultra-thin coatings are also the only effective method to protect micro-assemblies and enhance life performance.
Contact Plasma Ruggedized Solutions Today
Contact us for more information on ultra-protective biomedical Parylene for microelectromechanical (MEMS) and biomedical nanotechnology in harsh environments, or request a quote today.Request a Quote