All You Need to Know About Parylene Conformal Coating

Updated on November 26, 2020

When it comes to protective coatings for complex structures, parylene is often the preferred material for many manufacturers. From computer hardware to medical equipment, the polymer remains popular within several industries. 

But what makes parylene such an effective protective coating? Which devices can it safeguard from exposure? Most of all, is it something that can help with your specific use case?

To help you answer these questions and even more inquiries, click here is all you need to know about parylene conformal coating.

Parylene is Truly Conformal to Any Substrate

Unlike glue-like substances or semi-solid materials, parylene coating comes in the form of vapors during the coating process. By using specialized equipment, the polymer becomes truly conformal to any substrate. 

As a result, parylene eradicates the presence of pinholes or tears in its coating. Instead, it offers complete coverage on any substrate. This means that devices with multiple contours and equipment with intricate surfaces can all get optimal protection while leaving no points of exposure. 

It Protects Against Water and Moisture

Parylene is a hydrophobic material that repels water in a highly effective manner. Due to its exceptional coverage, it not only keeps fluids away from its external layer but also prevents moisture under the coating itself.

This makes it an optimal coating for those devices that are repeatedly exposed to liquids or vapors. This is especially applicable for sensitive equipment such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) that need to steer clear of moisture at all costs.

It Protects Its Substrate Against Corrosion

Due to its overall coverage capacity, parylene offers ideal protection against natural processes such as corrosion and chemical reactions that arise out of solvent exposure. 

Since parylene can prevent these reactions and safeguard its substrate without any compromise, it is considered an efficacious protective material for a variety of equipment and use cases. This especially applies to those devices that are regularly exposed to organic substances as well as chemical compounds. 

It Is Safe to Use With Biomedical Devices

Parylene is a biocompatible substance, which means that it doesn’t react negatively against living tissue. By remaining free of any toxicity, it makes for an excellent protective coating for medical devices and invasive equipment such as surgical tools.

The hydrophobic property of parylene also shines through this use case. Since it can easily keep bodily fluids at bay while protecting its substrate, it is an ideal coating for implants such as cardiac pacemakers.

It Can Be Applied Without Harming Your Equipment

Unlike many other protective coatings, parylene coating can easily be applied under moderate temperature environments. This small feature plays a big part in sensitive devices by protecting them from any harm during the application procedure. This is most apt for those materials that are sensitive to heat.

Since parylene can work with various materials without affecting them negatively, it becomes one of the top preferences for manufacturers and product designers alike.

With several factors adding to its popularity, it’s clear why parylene has become such a sought-after coating material. If you or your team are considering your options for a protecting coating, looking into this polymer may not disappoint.

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