Coating in High Humidity

Question:

My plant is located in a high humidity climate. We want to coat a semi-conductor material. What is the viability of solvent dip coating an electrically semi-conductive material in a high humidity climate? How can you minimize incorporation of water into the coating? What equipment do you need to do this? Can you minimize the effect by selection of the solvent? Any solvent recommendations? J.H.

Answer:

By using the proper controls, you should be able to coat a semi-conductor material in high humidity conditions. The solvent dip coating method would be my first choice. Vacuum pressure impregnation would be my second. As silly as it sounds, you can minimize incorporation of water into coatings by keeping everything dry. You will need conditioned air in the coating area. In addition, there should be an inert gas over the dip tank. The equipment needed is a dip tank having side boards to contain inert gas. The resin selected should have the lowest water content. It should be stored in a container having an inert gas in the head space. Solvent selection is also important. The solvent selected should have the lowest water content.