Conformal coating

==Description== 
An uninterrupted coating that assumes the exact form or shape of the object. Most conformal coatings are thin, nonconductive, dielectric layers that were originally designed for the protection of electronics and electrical devices from moisture, contamination, chemicals, solvents, fungus, dust and corrosion. Because they are capable providing protection for a wide variety of substrates including metals, polymers, and semiconductors there use has expanded to include medical devices, automotive parts, consumer goods, and even works or art. Many types of polymers have been used for conformal coatings including, Acrylics, Epoxies, Silicones, Polyurethanes, styrene and parylene. One example, Parylene, is apllied via vapor deposited coating while more recent additions, such as Nanoproof and Vitroguard are available as solution-based coatings that can be dip or spray applied and requires little to no masking.
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
Product names: Parylene; Nanoproof; Aculon; Vitroguard; 3M Novec
==Polymer Characteristics for Conformal Coatings==
Polymer base 	Advantages 	Disadvantages 	Application 	Possible to remove?	water vapor transmission rate (g*mm/m2*day)	Service temperature	Average thickness	Commercial products
Acrylic 	Low vapor phase transmission; does not shrink or give off heat when curing; low cost; clear 	Can be easily damaged; low solvent resistance 	Brush, spray or dip. Dry to touch in 10 minutes, typically cured within 24 hours.	yes 	15.9 	82 C 	0.03-0.13 mm 	AFA and HPA Electrolube
Epoxy 	Extreme hardness, high strength and abrasion resistance; high resistance to heat moisture and solvents; can be pigmented 	Removal of epoxy may cause damage to underlying components 	Brush, spray or dip. May shrink and produce heat when curing. 	no 	0.94 	177 C 	0.03-0.13 mm 	
Polyurethane 	Excellent adhesion, high resistance to abrasion, moisture, chemicals and UV; low cost; clear 	Can break down with heat 	Brush, spray or dip. May take 1-30 days to cure. 	no 	0.9-3.4 	121 C 	0.03-0.13 mm 	PUCAF
Silicone 	Resistant to chemicals with low moisture penetration; withstands high temperature; provides thermal and vibration insulation; typically pigmented	Relatively thick and soft; can be easily damaged; low solvent resistance	Brush, spray or dip. Typically cured within 1 hour. 	maybe 	1.7-47.5 	260 C 	0.05-0.21 mm 	
Parylene N 	Ultra-thin coating that can provide excellent resistance to moisture, chemicals and solvents 	Requires special application equipment 	Applied with vapor deposition at room temperature. 	no 	0.59 	60-70 C 	0.01-0.05 mm 	Parylene N SCS
Amorphous fluoropolymer	Excellent resistance to oils, solvents and water; ultrathin 	Requires special application equipment 	Brush, spray or dip. Fast dry time 	 	 	 	 	Fluorocoat; FPC
==Risks==
* Wear protective gloves and use fume hood for application
==Physical and Chemical Properties==
==Working Properties==
* Applications methods: spray, jet, dip, vapor deposition
==Resources and Citations==
* University of Florida: [chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://nrf.aux.eng.ufl.edu/_files/documents/14385.pdf Conformal Coatings 101]
* Wikipedia: Conformal Coatings Accessed Feb. 2025
* Specialty Coating Systems: Conformal Coatings
* Aculon: NanoProof coatings Accessed Feb. 2025
Category:Materials databaseCategory:MWGCategory:CoatingsCategory:Comparisons