Some of the more tedious, exact applications in the world of adhesives are those many times electronic scenarios that require protection and insulation. These are commonly known as potting and encapsulating. The process of potting, encapsulating, and coating, although each a bit different, generally involve the dipping, coating, or pouring of resin molds in and around the electronic device. This process ensures that the device (like a circuit board for instance) is safe from the hazards of moisture, chemicals, mechanical variables, and thermal and shock vibration.

There are two types of Potting and Encapsulants that we’ll cover in today’s blog. They are Addition Curing Silicones and Condensation Curing Silicones. 

Addition Curing Silicones

Addition cure silicones are two-part solutions that require the mixture of a silicone polymer with a catalyst to ensure a cure. These types are many times preferred over condensation curing silicones because they have little to no trouble with section thickness and do not need moisture to achieve cure. Addition cure silicones are often used in potting, encapsulating, and large casting applications.

Condensation Curing Silicones

Condensation cure silicones are either one or two-component silicones that need moisture in order to achieve cure. This moisture can either be extracted from the environment or from within its actual makeup, with the help of a catalyst. These products are often leveraged for mold-making, encapsulating, high-performance coatings, sealants, and pressure sensitive release coatings.

The Products

Chem-Set’s 033 Gel is a condensation cure silicone that has the uncanny ability to “self-heal” and repair. Used for coating, encapsulating, and potting, specifically those prone to moisture and environmental contaminants, this clear and tough two-part silicone elastomer gel is known also for its defiance to moisture and mechanical shock. This product can also effectively cure at room temperature to most substrates and can easily be mixed at a 1:1 ratio.

Other Key Product Features

• Self-leveling
• Transparent and UV resistant
• Unparalleled dielectric strength
• Can be accelerated with mild heat
• Sold in side-by-side cartridges (50ML and 1500ML)

The QSil213, a product of Quantum Silicones, is a two-part, clear liquid, addition cure silicone that has the ability to cure at room temperature or under elevated temperatures. QSil213 is best leveraged for the use of potting complex parts due to its exceptional electrical insulation and shock resistance. The low viscosity formula is non-yellowing, contains zero solvents, is suitable for either automatic dispensing or hand mixing, and achieves superior adhesion with the use of a primer.

For more on potting and encapsulating products that we offer at Chemical Concepts, visit our potting and encapsulation home page or reference a blog we penned earlier this year.

You can also always reach out to our friendly sales team for questions, advice, or helpful tips that could help you in your world. If you don’t have time to pick up the phone, use our practical “Discuss Your Application” tool and we’ll get back to you with the information you’re looking for!

[email protected] – 800.220.1966