No matter what the specific application or industry, protecting electronic components is crucial for ensuring long-lasting system durability and functionality. Available in various formats including encapsulates and gels, electronic potting compounds provide reliable
More... protection for both complex and simple components in any type of environment. Silicone encapsulates, in particular, contain no solvents or cure byproducts, allowing for lower costs. Providing optical clarity and thermal conductivity, they can perform in temperatures ranging from -45°C to 200°C. Silicone gels, on the other hand, provide ideal protection from moisture, as well as thermal and mechanical stress. They also protect against bubble or crack generation in high-voltage applications. Some of the industry's top manufacturers offer several types of electronic potting compound materials to help minimize stress and maximize reliability for flexible and rigid print circuit boards (PCBs), LED lighting and displays, industrial equipment, high-voltage electrical components, and power modules, among many other devices and systems. Robert McKeown carries a wide range of Dow and Henkel Adhesive products; just a few of their many offerings are outlined below. Dow Silicone Encapsulants Used to protect circuitry from mechanical or thermal shock, vibration, chemical attack, humidity, and other stressors, Sylgard® silicone encapsulates from Dow provide unmatched electronics encapsulation. Silicone encapsulates are available in two main types: condensation cure and addition cure, both of which can be supplied as one-part or two-part electronic potting compound systems to meet specific application needs. One-part condensation cure silicones allow for ease of application and easy dispensing from a cartridge or tube, making these encapsulates ideal for thin-section cures of less than 7 millimeters. However, fixed cure speeds are required, and viscosity options are limited. Two-part condensation cure silicones, on the other hand, have a high tolerance to variations in the catalyst ratio and limited risk of inhibition. They do have slightly higher shrinkage levels than addition cures, however, as well as a reversion to liquid if heated in a container. As with one-part condensation cure systems, one-part addition systems also allow for optimal ease of application. Featuring good physical strength, they can be used for both thin and thick section cures. However, they require heat to cure and have a short shelf life. Two-part addition cure systems allow for excellent deep section cures and low shrinkage rates. Their pot life can also be easily extended with an additive. Adequate adhesion is difficult to achieve with these two-part electronic potting compound systems, however, and they’re also prone to inhibition. Henkel Loctite Epoxy Catalysts Another ideal option for electronic potting applications, Loctite® epoxy catalysts from Henkel Adhesives offer excellent adhesion, high chemical resistance, and high-temperature physical properties. Epoxies are also extremely rigid and have a high tensile strength. And because most epoxies provide electrical insulation and have great moisture resistance, they’re ideal for outdoor use. Two-Part Epoxy Compounds Mix ratios are used for two-component epoxy systems to determine the amount of resin and epoxy catalyst needed for a full cure. The chemical makeup of the resin and the catalyst determine the mix ratios that must be followed; if not properly followed, various issues can occur, such as no cure or soft cure, as well as high exotherm during reaction, which can cause shrinkage. Mix ratios are expressed by weight, volume, or PHR (parts per hundred). The ratio by weight and the ratio by volume are often different due to variations in density between resins and catalysts. Measurements by weight are more accurate, however, and are generally preferred over volumetric proportioning. When estimating the amount of mixed material, it’s important to know the pot life of the product in order to avoid wasting material. Encapsulants & Potting Compounds from RMC Robert McKeown Co., Inc., a family-owned fabricating distributor of engineered materials and electronic potting compounds, has been proudly serving clients for over 80 years. Our expert staff specializes in a wide range of protective solutions for electronics, and we work closely with all our clients to ensure products are tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about Dow ’s electronic potting compounds and other adhesive products from manufacturers like Henkel, contact us or request a quote today. Less
Robert McKeown offers a variety of adhesive and sealant products for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. Our silicone epoxy adhesives and sealants, in particular, are ideal for bonding, caulking, and sealing in electronics fabrication, facility maintenance,
More... and construction applications.Features and Uses of Electronics Sealants and AdhesivesProviding ultimate reliability and longevity, our electronics adhesives and sealants can be used to form bonds to many different surfaces and substrates, including ceramics, metals, glass, and filled plastics. These specialized solutions eliminate the need for mechanical fastening and clamping while allowing for optimal ease of processing. Reliable and efficient in temperatures ranging from -45 °C to 200 °C, our electronics adhesives and sealants provide excellent dielectric insulation.Most silicone formulations are solventless, eliminating the need for special storage, ventilation, or handling. And because many of our electronics adhesives and solvents are reworkable, they offer great flexibility and allow for easier module repair.Electronics adhesives and sealants are frequently used in automotive, communications, industrial, and energy industries, as well as consumer devices. Extremely versatile, these adhesives can be used for sealing lids and housing grooves, cushioning or stabilizing fragile components, affixing components such as capacitors and coils to circuit boards, adhering module lids and baseplates, and gasketing.Silicone AdhesivesOne of the most popular types of electronics adhesives, silicone adhesives provide excellent flexibility and high heat resistance, making them ideal for electrical, automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. There are several varieties of silicone adhesives available, including two-component systems that require a curing agent, one-component systems that cure through air moisture, UV or EB radiation curing adhesives, and pressure-sensitive versions that adhere to surfaces with little pressure.RTV sealants (room-temperature vulcanizing) begin to cure as soon as they’re exposed to moisture in the air, so they must be used quickly. Pressure-sensitive sealants offer a permanent tackiness. UV- or radiation-cured sealants, on the other hand, require UV light to cure, while thermoset silicone sealants require heat to cure. Although not as strong as other sealants or adhesives, electrical silicone sealants remain flexible even when fully dried or cured. Various types of silicone sealants serve as ideal solutions for high-heat applications like engine gaskets.In electronics fabrication, silicone adhesive sealants are often used for fixing parts on circuit boards, LCD module assembly, general sealing, and component protection. Specific formulations differ depending on intended use and can be customized to allow for enhanced thermal conductivity, superior protection of metal electrodes, and faster cure times. These sealants are available in chemical-, heat-, mildew-, and oil-resistant formulations to meet a wide range of application needs.Industrial silicone epoxy is used for general-purpose fixture sealing of tubs, windows, ductwork, and gaskets, as well as general-purpose bonding and sealing.Thermal SealantsHigh temperatures often present problems for conventional adhesive materials and can affect printed circuit boards and assemblies. At Robert McKeown, we offer the highest-level special adhesive grades of thermal sealants, which allow for enhanced thermal conductivity. Both low-viscosity liquids and non-slump formations are available in two-cure chemistries.We also offer one-part moisture-cure grades, which use room-temperature processing to cut back on equipment needs. After cure, the materials form strong but flexible bonds, which protect from mechanical stress and vibration. Both one- and two-part heat-cure solutions accelerate processing and support high throughput production.Heat resistant silicone adhesives are extremely versatile materials and dispense easily at room temperature, but can also cure quickly at any thickness level at temperatures as low as 90°C. Efficacy and functionality are improved when higher temperatures accelerate cure times.Chemical Resistant AdhesivesChemical resistant silicone adhesives are commonly used in chemical processing plants, chemical piping and tanks, and medical devices. These adhesives can reliably protect against a wide range of chemicals and harsh materials, including acid, alcohol, and fuel. Depending on specific application requirements, they can also provide resistance against solvents, bases, sterilization, and water.Epoxy Based AdhesivesEpoxy based adhesives are created by mixing a resin and a hardener. Curing is initiated when the resin is mixed with a certain catalyst. The covalent bonds resulting from this combination determine the rigidity and strength of the epoxy sealant.Epoxy adhesives can reliably adhere to a variety of materials and are ideal for applications demanding chemical resistance, high strength, and low stress. Thermally conductive, microelectronic-grade, general-purpose, high-temperature and chemical resistant epoxy adhesives are available as both one- and two-part solutions. Epoxy adhesive and sealants allow for room temperature, thermal, or UV-curing capabilities.Learn MoreRobert McKeown Co., Inc. is proud to be a leading distributor of electronics adhesives and sealants for a wide range of applications. Family-owned and operated since 1937, we’re committed to constant innovation and improvement in everything we do. We offer a wide range of electronics adhesives and electronics sealants to meet all types of application needs; whether requiring flexible processing, simple assembly, strong adhesive performance, or thermal management, our clients are guaranteed top-quality, long-lasting products. Our expert staff works closely with customers to ensure solutions meet their unique requirements.For more information on our electronics adhesives and sealants and to learn how they can help with your next project, request a quote today. Less