Henkel develops solvent-free conformal coatings for high-power applications

Henkel announces commercialization of Loctite Stycast CC 8555. It is a conformal coating designed to protect electronics in extreme environments. Loctite Stycast CC 8555 provides printed circuit board (PCB) and sensitive component protection in challenging high-power applications. This includes motor drives, PLCs and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, also includes AC/DC power supplies and other high voltage electronic equipment.

Loctite Stycast CC 8555 meets the most stringent requirements for rugged protection against corrosive conditions such as moisture, gas mixtures and various chemicals. It has a relative temperature index (RTI) rating of 130° C per UL 746E standard. It also has a UL 94 V0 flammability rating and meets IPC-CC-830 requirements.

Protecting electronic products from potentially damaging environmental influences is critical. It will apply to 24/7/365 industrial equipment, power conversion systems and alternative energy infrastructure, where reliability and longevity are expected.

In addition to safety and reliability, the Loctite Stycast CC 8555 also offers strong electrical performance. It provides simplicity in the process. It is cost competitive compared to solvent-based formulations. The new conformal coating has an excellent dielectric strength of 27.5 kV/mm, and also has good surface insulation resistance (SIR) to protect electrical functionality.

Loctite Stycast CC 8555 also stands out in terms of processing performance. The material has a wide process window. It has good wetting, flow and leveling properties, ensuring fast and thorough coverage of PCBs and sensitive components without voids or visible defects.

"High-power electronics are integral to industrial manufacturing, human mobility and comfort, and global energy production. These systems must adhere to the highest reliability and safety standards. Protecting electronic products is essential for their reliable functionality and longevity,” said Justin Kolbe, Director of Market Strategy for Power and Industrial Automation at Henkel.

This product cures quickly, with primary UV cure occurring within seconds. The shaded areas are then moisture cured. High processing speed and elimination of heat-induced cure also contribute to Loctite Stycast CC 8555's lower total cost of ownership.

"Conformal coatings are the protective material of choice for PCBs used in nearly all power electronics devices. Henkel's latest formulation goes one step further by meeting reliability requirements first and foremost, while also being easy to use, cost-effective and a low-impact material. ” Kolbe continued.

"Loctite Stycast CC 8555's VOC- and solvent-free formula answers the call for environmental concerns. It costs significantly less from a surface area perspective, with solvent-based conformal coatings, three to four times the weight must be deposited to achieve the same thickness as non-solvent-based materials. "

"This means Loctite Stycast CC 8555 provides superior protection with only one-third to one-half the spray volume of solvent-based systems,users receive lower total cost of ownership, reduced environmental emissions, energy-efficient curing and superior performance. This is a hard combination to beat! "