UV-curing conformal coating gives long-lasting protection

Paul Boughton
As conformal coatings are becoming more widely used in electronic assemblies, Master Bond is broadening its range of protective conformal coatings with the addition of UV10LV. A clear, highly non-conductive, UV-curing conformal coating, this product is designed to protect against moisture, dust, chemicals and temperature extremes on electronic circuitry and components. Its high-resilience bonds will not deteriorate even when exposed to adverse environmental conditions including severe heat and moisture.
 
Master Bond UV10LV is a low-viscosity adhesive compound that offers a fast cure upon exposure to UV light at room temperature. Excellent adhesion properties are obtained with metals, ceramics, glass, paper, many plastic and elastomers. The PCB protection coating is claimed to achieve bond strengths equal to or higher than those obtained from conventional epoxy resins.
 
The fast curing mechanism of UV10LV is triggered by any convenient source of UV light such as medium-pressure mercury vapour lamps. Unlike other UV systems, the UV10LV protective conformal coating can be cured in a wide range of section thicknesses. It does not have to be fully cured by the light source because polymerisation will continue after initial exposure. UV10LV is not oxygen-inhibited and therefore does not require an inert atmosphere. Master Bond's UV10LV PCB conformal coating withstands exposure to temperatures up to 150 degrees C and resists water and most chemicals. It has a refractive index of 1.55 and a volume resistivity of 1014ohm/cm. No solvents or other volatiles are released during the curing process. Excellent fatigue resistance allows the UV curing adhesive to perform well under stress even in adverse environments. It has a shelf life of six months at 20 degrees C in the original unopened containers.
 
For more information, visit www.masterbond.com

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