AIT conformal coatings designed to protect electronics in extreme environments
Oct. 10, 2014
PRINCETON, N.J., 10 Oct. 2014. Traditional acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane protective coatings, commonly called conformal coatings, are not hydrophobic and do not adequately protect electronic and electrical devices from heavy moisture and are particularly susceptible to degradation in salt-fog environments, according to AI Technology (AIT) officials in Princeton, N.J. Similarly, silicone-based conformal coatings, while hydrophobic to water, allow for very high moisture penetration and are susceptible to moisture and salt-fog induced corrosion.
Critical infrastructures, such as electrical power stations, need protection against corrosion in high voltage contact points. Electrical switches and other controlling electronics in industrial environments require protective coatings that can withstand direct water immersion and "acid rain" induced degradation. Additionally, outdoor electronics require extended moisture protection during the heat and humidity of summer weather.
Responding to the pervasive need for conformal coatings, AIT has unveiled its improved Prima Protect coating line for moisture and salt fog protection.
Two chief Prima Protect Coatings--CC7090E and CC7130-E--offer extreme moisture, salt fog, and even direct immersion protection for electrical contacts, electronic circuits and devices, printed wiring boards, and structures made with metal, wood, and plastics. AIT’s Prima Protect coatings are molecularly flexible for adhesion, yet they resist abrasion.
AIT’s coatings have added flexibility to withstand low-temperature cracking, fungicide to provide additional protection in submerged environments, and are non-silicone and electrically insulating so to not interfere with neighboring electronics.
Both CC7090E and CC7130-E are designed to meet the IPC CC830 requirements with UV inspection dye and fungi-resistance. Additionally, both coatings can be brushed, dipped, or sprayed on and are flexible, highly hydrophobic and provide superior protection against corrosion in water, salt water, fog, and many other types of environments.
AIT’s Prima Protect Coatings work on virtually any surface, officials say, and are used to coat outdoor equipment, batteries, and wiring.
Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.
