Common protection of electronics, from harsh environmental conditions, is through the use of silicone conformal coatings (CCs). It has been found that silicone CCs act as a �sponge�, with high levels of sulfur soluble in the coatings, thus expediting component failures in sulfur rich environments. CCs routinely contain silica for rheology controls and improvement of mechanical properties. However, these fillers do not protect the metal conductors from corrosion. Here, we demonstrate the inclusion of silver and copper particulate into CCs to provide corrosion protection in harsh environments.  The metal particulate can serve the same function as the silica fillers and could even replace a small fraction of the silica filler in some CCs formulations. Copper and silver particles were selected due to their affinity to react with sulfur, thus preventing the diffusion of the corrosive agent through the CCs.  Electrical testing was performed by coating resistors with the metal particulate containing silicone and tested within a sulfur-rich environment to determine the effectiveness of the coating. Details relating to the preparation, characterization, and application in preventing corrosion will be discussed.

Metal particulate containing conformal coatings for anti-corrosion applications

248th National Meeting (2014)

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