Adhesion is one of the most critical factors in achieving reliable conformal coating performance. Even the most advanced coating—such as Parylene—can fail if it doesn’t bond strongly to the underlying surface. That’s where adhesion promoters come in.
At SCH Services Ltd, we supply and use several types of adhesion promoters, each tailored to different substrate materials. Choosing the right one ensures a strong bond and long-term reliability.
Why Adhesion Promoters Are Needed
Some substrates, such as smooth metals, plastics, or low-surface-energy materials, naturally resist coating adhesion. Without treatment, coatings may:
– Peel or flake over time
– Fail cross-hatch adhesion testing (ISO 2409)
– Compromise moisture or chemical protection
Adhesion promoters modify the surface to increase its surface energy, creating an interface that coatings can lock onto.
How Adhesion Promoters Work
Adhesion promoters typically work by:
– Chemically reacting with the substrate to create a stable bond layer.
– Roughening or activating the surface to increase surface energy.
– Forming a bridge between the substrate and coating for long-term durability.
When applied correctly, they significantly reduce the risk of delamination, even at higher coating thicknesses or in harsh environments.
Different Promoters for Different Substrates
There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. At SCH Services Ltd, we offer a range of adhesion promoters designed for:
– Metals – to overcome smooth or oxidised surfaces.
– Plastics – especially low-energy substrates like polyethylene or polypropylene.
– Ceramics & Glass – to ensure strong bonds despite non-porous surfaces.
– PCB Materials – optimised for solder masks and copper traces.
By matching the promoter to the substrate, we ensure the coating achieves reliable, long-lasting adhesion.
SCH Services Ltd: Expertise in Adhesion Solutions
Whether you need Parylene, acrylic, urethane, or silicone coatings, SCH Services Ltd has the right adhesion promoter for your application. Because we use these promoters in our own coating services every day, you can trust that the solutions we supply are proven in real production environments.
