Plasmalex launches PlasmaGuard® X: The new generation of 100% PFAS-free conformal barrier coatings
Fuveau, France —Plasmalex, a leader in advanced coating solutions, proudly introduces PlasmaGuard X, the newest innovation in its PlasmaGuard® platform of high-performance barrier coatings. It is the result of years of dedicated research and development, reinforcing Plasmalex’s commitment to sustainability and meeting the increasing environmental awareness among its clients.
PlasmaGuard® sets a new standard in high-performance ultra-thin water repellent and barrier coatings for the protection of a wide range of products such as medical devices, consumer electronics, PCBAs but also various non-woven or nanofiber materials. They are not only high- performing, but also environmentally responsible, being 100% PFAS-free.
After the successful introduction of the PlasmaGuard® coatings in 2023, the launch of the new PlasmaGuard® X ultra-thin barrier coating builds on the same strengths and unique properties of the PlasmaGuard® product line, while offering even higher barrier and corrosion protection properties.
PlasmaGuard® S splash proof coating:
PlasmaGuard® S is a completely halogen-free nanocoating, typically applied at a thickness of 10 to 200 nanometers. With a water contact angle of more than 105° it effectively minimizes water ingress. This coating is versatile; suitable for a wide array of materials including electronics, plastics, textiles, (nano)membranes and medical devices.
Plasmaguard® S properties
- Very low to no masking efforts required: PlasmaGuard® S is typically applied at a thickness below 200nm, minimizing masking requirements of electrical components.
- Excellent membrane breathability: this ultra-thin and highly conformal coating does not impact the breathability of the original membrane or non-woven.
- No acoustic impact: It has no audible impact on acoustics, making it suitable for applications where sound quality is crucial.
- Invisible and optically transparent: The coating is transparent, making it very suitable for applications where the visual aspect or optical transmission (in the visible range) are essential.
- Abrasion resistance: PlasmaGuard® S demonstrates high resistance to abrasion, ensuring long-lasting durability.
- Biocompatible: Compliant with ISO 10993-5, it is suitable for medical devices and other biocompatible applications.
- Approved for skin contact: The coating adheres to ISO 10993-10 standards.
PlasmaGuard® X barrier coating:
PlasmaGuard® X is a fully PFAS-free dielectric barrier coating designed for applications requiring the highest level of protection such as PCBAs, sensors, medical devices, and implants.
This multilayer coating applied at a thickness below 1,5 µm outperforms conventional conformal coatings that are many times thicker.
Plasmaguard® X properties:
- Exceeds IPX7 and IPX8 requirements
- Very low WVTR (<10-2 g/m²/day)
- Excellent 3D conformality
- Ultra-thin, below 1,5 µm
- Low masking efforts required
- Fully transparent coating with superior optical transmission properties
- Pinhole-free
- Excellent dielectric properties
- Excellent chemical and moisture barrier properties
- Unrivalled sweat and saltwater barrier properties
- Biocompatible
Superior barrier coating strength
In addition to its remarkable PFAS-free composition, PlasmaGuard® X stands out as a superior barrier coating. It outperforms not only other plasma enhanced (PECVD) nanocoatings available in the market but also surpasses traditional conformal coating options such as acrylic, epoxy, silicone, and even parylene. This remarkable strength ensures unparalleled protection for a wide range of applications.
Testing barrier strength
To substantiate the exceptional barrier properties of PlasmaGuard® X, Europlasma conducted rigorous testing, comparing it with other coating technologies. The tests were performed using a IPC-B-25A board test in artificial sweat.
Testing Methodology:
The leak current was measured on the various tracks of a SIR board (IPC-B-25A) while submerging it in acidic artificial sweat with a 5V voltage applied. A current of 25 mA is considered the threshold for short-circuiting and failure.
Results:
With 1 µm of PlasmaGuard® X, the current remains below 10 µA after 30 days!
On the below pictures it is clearly shown that the SIR board treated with PlasmaGuard® X is still intact after 30 days, while a SIR board treated with a single layer 1 µm coating (right picture) corrodes already after a few hours of submersion.
At the same thickness, PlasmaGuard® X outperformed existing single layer conformal coating technologies.
Even when the single-layer coatings were applied at multiple thickness, PlasmaGuard® X continued to outperform them.
This groundbreaking result demonstrates that PlasmaGuard® X not only meets but exceeds industry expectations for barrier strength, making it an ideal choice for applications where superior protection is paramount.
All PlasmaGuard® coatings are environmentally responsible
- 100% PFAS-free.
- REACH compliant for SVHCs: PlasmaGuard®coatings meet the requirements set forth by the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).
- RoHS and WEEE compliant: Adheres to the European Union’s RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) compliance standards.
- Free of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Cost-effective industrial coating solution
PlasmaGuard® coatings are not only environmentally friendly but also a cost-effective solution, providing sustainable coating solutions without compromising performance or budget. Plasmalex has developed a full range of high-capacity industrial coating equipment and processes, both for batch as well as roll-to-roll applications, enabling a high-capacity throughput in production environments.
Plasmalex invites industry professionals, clients, and stakeholders to explore the exceptional features and benefits of PlasmaGuard®. To learn more about this groundbreaking technology, visit www.Plasmalex.com.
For more information please contact:
Tim Beulens, Vice President Plasmalex
Tim.Beulens@plasmalex.com
+ 32 (0)472 64 94 73
