INNOVATIVE PLASMACOATINGS FOR HIGH VOLUME CONFORMAL COATING OF ELECTRONICS

摘要

Plasma is considered to be the fourth state of matter. By adding energy matter is transformed from solid into liquid into gas into plasma. In plasma the molecules are decomposed into a mixture of neutral and charged particles that will interact with all exposed surfaces of the material. In case the object has an open cell structure, the plasma particles will interact with the inner surface as well. In low pressure plasma technology a stable and effective plasma is created by an electromagnetic discharge of a gas at low pressure and at low temperature. ROHS- and WEEE-compliant super hydro- and oleophobic low pressure plasma conformal nanocoatings allow to splash-proof electronic devices (IPX2-4). Complex 3D-structures are coated in an uniform way without any impact on acoustic performance. The coatings are z-axis conductive and thus obviate the use of masking and allow for flexible integration in the manufacturing process. A next generation of low pressure plasma coatings has been developed to waterproof electronic devices, up to IPX5-8. These coatings have a typical thickness of 1-3 μm, are more robust and offer excellent protection against water, salt and sweat, and prevent corrosion and failure beyond repair when the powered device is submersed. This coating is applied on component level to show its full potential, after which the final assembly of the electronic device is done. Optionally, a thin conformal nanocoating can be applied on the assembled product to reduce the ingress of water. One of the key drivers of low pressure plasma is the reduced environmental impact compared to traditional wet chemical processes and the use of more harmful metals. The dry and clean technology has a zero water consumption, a minimal consumption of chemicals and a reduced energy consumption, because heating, drying or curing is needed. This leads to innovative low pressure plasma coatings that can be used in many applications. The system design and size is adaptable to the dimensions of the products to be coated. In most cases there exists a suited low pressure plasma treatment with well-dimensioned equipment to help improve protection of electronics.