Dow has introduced its DOWSIL CC-2588 Conformal Coating, a tough, abrasion-resistant silicone-based material that protects printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic components against high humidity and corrosion.

The coating is virtually odorless and emits extremely low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). CC-2588 cures at room temperature for reduced energy consumption, supports spraying for higher throughputs and enables automated inspection equipment to use ultraviolet light to identify any voids in the conformal coating. 

The new DOWSIL material, once cured, is comparable to other resin conformal coatings in terms of toughness. With a durometer of 76 Shore A, DOWSIL CC-2588 offers good mechanical strength to resist damage. It also provides reliable adhesion without the delamination associated with acrylate conformal coatings and the darkening associated with polyurethane products. At room temperature, the coating has five minutes of tack time to support assembly adjustments before permanent bonding occurs.  

Lab testing demonstrates that this protective coating meets IPC-CC-830B, Amendment 1 requirements for insulation resistance and dielectric withstanding voltage. DOWSIL CC-2588 provides the dielectric insulation, vibration dampening and moisture protection needed in PCB manufacturing and assembly for automotive electronics and household appliances. 

“Dow’s silicone-based conformal coatings can resist extremely harsh environments while supporting environmental sustainability and manufacturing productivity,” said Tong Wu, Global Segment Leader at Dow. “DOWSIL CC-2588 Conformal Coating has an attractive balance of properties and is an important addition to our portfolio because it addresses customer needs and industry trends in PCB manufacturing and assembly.”

Source: Dow