Nano-coatings are being used regularly to protect printed circuit board assemblies. This is because the material they are made of fluorinated polymers and these materials have very specialized properties that produce very different results to traditional conformal coatings.
So, what are the unique properties of a Nano-coating?
To understand the properties of a Nano-coating you have to understand what a fluoropolymer coating is made of.
Typically, the coating itself is comprised of fluorocarbons and characterised by carbon-fluorine bonds. Since the coating is made of fluorocarbons then the film surface is not susceptible to Van der Waals forces (interfacial electrostatic bonds). Therefore, the surface energy of the fluoropolymer coating is extremely low and hydrophobic (water repellent). It acts like Teflon on a frying pan.
This non-wetting of water on the circuit board is one of the many key properties making them so popular.
What other properties do Nano-coatings have that may help protect circuit boards?
For electronic circuit board assemblies there are several key properties that are being used.
These include being:
- Hydrophobic: Being highly water repellent
- Ultra-thin: Protection whilst being extremely thin
- High moisture barrier: Low water vapor transmission rate provides excellent corrosion resistance
- Chemically resistant: Having a high chemical resistance helps protect the circuits from chemical attack.
- Good dielectrics: fluoropolymer coatings have high dielectric properties
However, to really understand the benefits you have to look at the key difference compared to a conventional conformal coating. That is that no masking is required when applying the Nano-coating.
So, why is there no need to mask when using a Nano-coating?
First, consider a normal conformal coating is applied at typical thicknesses of 25um or more. Also, the conformal coating is a high insulation material. Therefore, at this thickness the conformal coating would electrically insulate components like connectors and it must not be applied to any part that needs electrical conductivity.
However, this is not a problem for a Nano-coating.
Since the Nano-coating can be applied at ultra-thin thicknesses (1-2um in thickness or less) without any protection performance reduction, then the extremely soft coating is easily removed or scratched away when the connectors are joined and the electrical circuit is easily made.
This key parameter of not requiring masking during Nano-coating application combined with the hydrophobic nature of the coating material makes the Nano-coatings highly effective in protecting electronic circuit boards at a very low cost per unit.
Want to find out more about Nano-coatings?
At SCH Technologies, we supply ultra-thin Nano-coatings based on advanced fluoropolymer chemistries. These coatings provide a cost-effective way to protect printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) and other electronics from moisture, corrosion, and environmental damage. We also offer a subcontract conformal coating service and can apply these nano-coatings for you.
Find out more and Contact us now to discuss your needs and let us explain how we can help you.
