LT Series Ultra-Thin Fluoropolymer Coatings for Electronics
Room-temperature fluoropolymer coatings delivering hydrophobic and oleophobic performance with minimal thickness and simple process integration
LT Series is SCHโs established ultra-thin fluoropolymer coating solution for electronics, PCBs, and precision components, delivered through the Nano Coatings platform.
These coatings are used where surface performance is required without the thickness, masking complexity, or process constraints associated with conformal coating or Parylene.
Why LT Series Is Used
LT Series is selected where the real requirement is surface behaviour rather than full environmental barrier protection.
For electronics and precision assemblies, this typically includes:
- Hydrophobic and oleophobic performance
- Low surface energy behaviour
- Contamination resistance and cleanability
- Minimal impact on connectors, contacts, and fine geometries
This allows functional performance to be introduced without creating new problems through excessive coating build.
How This Fits Within SCHโs Coating Platform
LT Series sits within SCHโs broader Advanced Functional Coatings framework, alongside:
Where fluorinated chemistry is not acceptable, SCH can support transition to PFAS-free alternatives with validated performance.
Formulation Overview
LT Series includes two formulations:
- LT-4 โ Conventional solvent-based system
- LT-8 โ Fluorosolvent-based system for specialised environments
Both deliver similar fluoropolymer surface performance, with selection driven by process, EHS, and commercial requirements rather than coating function alone.
The diagram below shows how LT Series provides ultra-thin fluoropolymer surface performance for electronics with minimal coating build.
LT Series ultra-thin fluoropolymer coatings provide hydrophobic performance for electronics without the thickness and complexity of conventional coatings.
You Are in the Right Place If…
- You need hydrophobic or oleophobic behaviour without coating build
- Connectors, contacts or interfaces cannot tolerate conformal coating
- You want to reduce masking complexity or avoid masking entirely where possible
- You need a fast, simple coating process without curing or complex equipment
- You want to trial surface performance before committing to a full coating system
If the requirement is corrosion protection, moisture barrier performance or long-term environmental reliability, LT Series alone is unlikely to be sufficient. In these cases, review conformal coating or Parylene.
Where LT Series Fits
LT Series coatings are not a replacement for conformal coating or Parylene. They solve different problems and should be selected accordingly.
Why LT Series Is Often Chosen
- Room-temperature processing with no UV cure requirement
- Simple application via dip, spray, or brush
- Ultra-thin coating that preserves connectors and fine features
- Fast drying for practical throughput
- Lower masking burden compared to conformal coating
- Ideal for feasibility trials and selective coating strategies
Fastest Route to Implementation
You do not need to invest in materials, equipment or process development to evaluate LT Series.
In many cases, the most effective route is to use SCH coating services to:
- Apply LT Series coatings directly to your assemblies
- Run controlled feasibility trials and validation testing
- Generate real performance data before committing internally
This removes the need to:
- Purchase specialist fluoropolymer materials
- Invest in coating equipment or process setup
- Develop coating processes in-house
Important: LT Series is not a barrier coating. It provides surface performance, not full environmental protection. If your requirement includes corrosion resistance, moisture ingress prevention or dielectric isolation, a conformal coating or Parylene system must be considered.
Performance Characteristics
Hydrophobic and Oleophobic Behaviour
Provides low surface energy for water and oil repellency, supporting contamination control and cleanability.
Low-Build Film Formation
Sub-micron to low micron thickness preserves geometry, connectors, and electrical interfaces.
Chemical and Environmental Resistance
Offers resistance to moisture, salt, and chemical exposure in a low-build format.
Optical Compatibility
Transparent coatings suitable for LEDs, sensors, and fine-feature applications.
Reworkability
Ultra-thin films can be easier to remove or rework compared to heavier coating systems.
LT-4 vs LT-8
LT-4
- Standard solvent-based system
- Cost-effective and widely applicable
LT-8
- Fluorosolvent carrier
- Used where process compatibility or EHS requirements differ
- Higher material cost
Selection should be based on process environment and constraints, not assumed coating performance differences.
Common Failure Modes
- Expecting barrier-level protection from an ultra-thin coating
- Poor surface preparation leading to inconsistent performance
- Loss of repellency due to wear or contamination
- Incorrect carrier selection creating avoidable process issues
For common misunderstandings around surface coatings and protection levels, see why hydrophobic coatings donโt protect electronics.
Why Choose SCH Services?
SCH provides both material expertise and practical coating services, allowing LT Series coatings to be implemented quickly, correctly, and with minimal risk.
- ๐ง Hydrophobic & Oleophobic Performance Expertise
- ๐ Ultra-Thin Coating Control
- ๐ ๏ธ Process Development & Application Support
- ๐ญ Contract Coating Services Available
- ๐ Integrated Coating Strategy Across Technologies
๐ +44 (0)1226 249019 | โ sales@schservices.com | ๐ฌ Discuss Your Application โบ
