Waterproofing electronic products has long been a key challenge in product design. Adding waterproof functionality not only enhances the durability and lifespan of electronic devices but also broadens their usage scenarios, such as underwater photography or listening to music while swimming. The benefits are numerous, which is why waterproof materials and technologies for electronics have garnered widespread attention.
In the past 3-5 years, the rise of mobile phone nano-coating technology has brought nano coatings into the spotlight. However, earlier mobile phone nano-coating technologies were relatively rudimentary and had high failure rates. These technologies typically involved applying a vacuum spray coating to the entire phone. While the goal was to fully cover the phone’s PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) with the nano coating, the process was still affected by the phone’s outer casing and its inherent sealing properties, resulting in inconsistent results.
With the release of the iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7, nano coating technology made a successful comeback. Applying nano coatings directly to the PCBA of products has proven to be a viable and effective approach. This innovation was quickly accepted in the market due to its compliance with RoHS and REACH certifications, as well as its non-toxic, non-flammable, ultra-thin, fast-drying, and odorless characteristics. It has since been successfully applied in products such as Bluetooth sports earphones, fitness bands, smartwatches, and drones.
Compared to traditional electronic conformal coatings, nano coatings are much easier to apply. The process simply involves immersing the product’s PCBA in a nano-coating solution for about 2-3 seconds, followed by air-drying for 5-10 minutes at room temperature. No additional equipment is needed, making it a true “cutting-edge” technology.
On a microscopic level, nano coatings consist of numerous nanoparticles that form extremely fine pores. These pores are much smaller than water molecules, which allows the surface to create an air cushion effect that repels water and oil. Additionally, the uneven surface of the nanoparticles increases the contact angle between the water droplets and the coating, causing the droplets to slide off more easily.
Nano coatings offer several advantages: they are simple to apply, requiring no specialized equipment or trained personnel, thus saving manufacturers costs. They also provide excellent heat dissipation, hydrophobic, oleophobic, and anti-salt fog corrosion properties. These qualities make nano coatings particularly well-suited for electronic devices that come into close contact with the human body. As a result, industries such as smart wearables, smart healthcare, and smart home devices all stand to benefit from the widespread application of nano coatings.
